A man and a woman sit at a table with whisky cocktails. On the table are playing cards, dominoes and canapes.

How to Enjoy Whisky

Sometimes whisky inspiration strikes and you know exactly what to do with your latest bottle, or the one you found lurking at the back of a cupboard. But sometimes, creativity eludes you. That's where we can help. Enjoy our quick guide on different ways to enjoy whisky - from simple sips through to cocktails, and not forgetting food pairings.

Keep it simple

To enjoy a fine single malt, often all you need is the whisky itself. A simple dram in your favourite glass is a pleasure to be savoured. Or, if you prefer, add a few drops of water or a couple of ice cubes.

Neat

All you need to enjoy whisky neat is a glass. Nose and then chew the liquid before swallowing: this gives your senses a chance to embrace all those flavours.

Water

Any fresh water, ideally spring water, can really open up a single malt Scotch whisky – especially cask strength whiskies. Add a drop at a time, and see what works for you.

Ice

Adding ice to a single malt Scotch whisky can certainly make it a more refreshing drink, and chilling can open up some other, more delicate notes.

Shake up a cocktail

Sometimes you want something a little more elevated than a dram. If you're in the mood to mix, why not whip up a cocktail? Here's a few of our classic favourites, enjoyed by connoisseurs and novices alike.

Rich

Whisky Sour

This Whisky Sour is based on the strong peat smoke typical of southern Islay whisky. The strong flavour, attractive garnishes and delicious mixers of this cocktail make it the ideal party drink.

You'll need:

50ml Lagavulin 8 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
35ml lemon juice
12ml 2:1 sugar syrup (2 parts sugar dissolved over heat into 1 part water)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
½ fresh egg white
Ice

To make:

Add the whisky, juice syrup, bitters and egg white into a cocktail shaker
Close and shake
Open the shaker and add ice, then shake until cold
Strain the mixture into a coupe
Garnish with a cherry and lemon peel

Shop Lagavulin 8 Year Old

A whisky sour cocktail sits on a coffee table next to a chess board, with a woman sat on a sofa nearby

Fresh

Highball

A great first cocktail for whisky novices, the Highball is easy, versatile and effervescent. All you need is your favourite whisky, mixer, ice and of course... a highball glass.

You'll need:

45ml whisky (we prefer Johnnie Walker Black Label)
150ml tonic water
1 lemon
Ice

To make:

Fill the highball glass with ice
Pour over the whisky and top up with the tonic
Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice
Stir and top with a lemon wedge

Sweet

Manhattan

The yin to the martini cocktail's yang, the Manhattan is one of the all-time great classic cocktails, a rich, sweet blend of whisky, vermouth and bitters that’s generally stirred into perfection.

You'll need:

50ml Singleton 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky
25ml sweet vermouth
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 maraschino cherry

To make:

Add the whisky, vermouth and bitters to a mixing glass full of ice and stir
Strain into a martini or coupe
Garnish with a cherry on a skewer

Shop The Singleton 12 Year Old

A woman holds the stem of a coupe glass containing a Manhattan cocktail

Simple

Old Fashioned

The classic Old Fashioned is made up of three simple ingredients – whisky (traditionally rye or bourbon), Angostura bitters and sugar. Due to its simplicity, it can be easily customised for taste. Here we have swapped the bourbon for the Talisker 10 Year Old for our own twist.

You'll need:

50ml Talisker 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
5ml 2:1 sugar syrup
Dash of Angostura bitters
Orange peel and maraschino cherry
Ice

To make:

Add the whisky, syrup and bitters to a rocks glass with ice
Stir to combine
Garnish with orange peel and cherry on a skewer

What food does whisky pair with?

Whether hosting friends or relaxing alone, a glass of whisky is always improved with delicious food. But what to choose? We can help you demystify what to eat with what.

Seafood

Salty, maritime whiskies like Talisker love seafood. Use it to accompany oysters or smoked salmon, and discover new depths of flavour.

Cheese

Peated, earthy and smoky single malt Scotch whiskies like Lagavulin have a natural affinity with the intensity of a salty or mature cheese.

Vegetarian Dishes

Light, dry and even smoky whiskies like Caol Ila find the savoury notes in vegetarian dishes such as tapenade or vegetarian haggis.

Meats

Smooth, sweet and dry whiskies like The Singleton of Glen Ord bring out the rich complexity of character in air dried sausage, Parma ham or even mutton pie.

Savoury Bites

With tapas or snacks, it's about finding the single malt Scotch whisky that matches best: rich, full bodied whiskies love big flavours like olives or pâté, lighter malts excel with more subtle snacks like unsalted nuts.

Sweet Treats

Whisky isn't just reserved for savoury moments. Consider a tempting dram alongside a dessert, or a simple treat at the end of a day. Whisky brings out the flavours of dark and milk chocolate, making it a perfect complement to your favourite bar. Or, pour out a whisky with orchard fruit notes when indulging in a slice of warm apple pie.

The final word

There you have it. A short and sweet (much like a Manhattan) journey through different ways to enjoy whisky. The next step is yours - will you try something new next time you reach for your favourite bottle? We hope so.