Thanks in part to a simple Manhattan variation and an underrated disco drink, the notion that Scotch should only be enjoyed neat is waning. The whisky figures into a small but mighty canon of classic cocktails, with a growing number of modern drinks now also calling on the spirit. And it’s not just strong, stirred drinks that lean on the whisky: Scotch has established itself as a versatile ingredient in tropical highballs, swizzles and even fluffy, dessert-like fizzes. Here are some of our favorite ways to mix with Scotch, beyond the Rob Roy.
Rusty Ringo
A modern spin on the Rusty Nail.
Vintage Coco
A citrusy spin on the classic Caribbean combination of Scotch and coconut water.
Trader Vic’s Sour
A tiki sour that works equally well with bourbon, Scotch or brandy.
Fernet Ramos
A next-gen mashup of a Ramos Gin Fizz and Fernet and Coke.
Nova Scotia
A Scotch Old-Fashioned crossed with an Alaska.
Scotch & Soda
A dead-simple build inspired by the classic Japanese Highball.
French Connection
A smoky, gentian-inflected take on the Boulevardier.
The Barrymore Cocktail
An austere Scotch cocktail with a rinse of green Chartreuse.
Flannel Shirt
A bone-warming drink made with the classic flavors of fall—apple, earth, spice and smoke.
