A mist cocktail is traditionally a spirit poured over crushed ice served with a twist of lemon peel. This updated version of a Scotch Mist recipe adds a hint of sweetness and orange to the classic cocktail. Its invigorating blend of smooth Scotch whisky, zesty lemon, and triple sec is a sophisticated choice for cocktail enthusiasts. It is the perfect Scotch whiskey cocktail to make on a chilly evening or when you are looking for an after dinner drink to serve when you are hosting.
This Scotch Mist recipe has complex flavors, scotch forward but with elements of lemon and orange that soften the strong whisky flavor. We have found that this cocktail is best enjoyed in the evening, especially in front of the fire. Our recommendation is to serve it over ice cubes, you may also serve it over crushed ice, though it will end up melting faster than cubes and watering down the drink quicker. It isn’t traditional, but it does taste great!
Interesting fact about the spelling of whisk(e)y. Whisky originates from Scotland, Canada and Japan and is spelled without an e. Whiskey is generally from the United States and Ireland is spelled with an ‘ey’.
Looking for other whisky cocktails, try our Chai Tea Hot Toddy recipe which is warm, spicy and sweet.
What is the best whisky to use for a Scotch Mist cocktail?
Ideally, a Scotch Mist cocktail is best made from a single malt scotch whisky originating from Scotland. We prefer a smooth finishing whisky for this recipe as this doesn’t overpower the other flavors present in the cocktail. Our favorite is the Glenlivet Founders Reserve, which has a smooth finish and zesty flavor. A few other smoother varieties of whiskey are the Naked Grouse (budget friendly), or Glenmorangie The Accord.
Whisky from other regions outside of Scotland can be used to make this cocktail, but technically it would then be a whisky mist not a scotch mist.
Ingredients (and substitutes)
Whisky – to make a Scotch Mist it is ideal to use a scotch whisky, ideally a single malt variety with smooth flavor. We’ve been making our cocktails with Glenlivet Founders Reserve, which has a smooth texture, and has flavor notes of creamy sweetness and zesty fruits. However, if you do not have a smooth single malt scotch whisky in your bar inventory, you could substitute blended scotch such as Johnny Walker or even a smooth Canadian whisky like Crown Royal.
Orange Liquor – in this cocktail we use Triple Sec which has a strong sweet orange flavor. Adding Triple Sec brings sweetness into the cocktail instead of using simple syrup. You could also use Cointreau which has a more balanced and well rounded orange flavor. An another alternative could be Grand Marnier.
Orange Bitters – this adds a vibrant burst of citrus notes, that brighten up the drink. We prefer the flavor of Angostura Orange Bitters.
Lemon Peel or Lemon Twist – you will need a twist of lemon peel. This will bring a zesty lemon flavor to the cocktail, rounding out the flavors. Some version of the cocktail call for lemon juice, but we found we prefer the cocktail without lemon juice. Here is a great video of how to create a perfect lemon twist.
Equipment needed:
- Cocktail Shaker
- Glasses – ideally you will want to use a smaller bar glass like a rocks glass or old-fashioned glass. As the drink is 3.5 ounces a Collins glass will be too large.
How to make this Scotch Mist recipe
- Shake: In a cocktail shaker, shake Whiskey, Orange Bitters, and Triple Sec with ice.
- Prepare Glass: Twist lemon peel over bottom of each serving glass and add ice cubes.
- Serve: Strain cocktail into prepared glass with ice. Garnish with lemon peel.
Scotch Mist Cocktail Recipe an Updated Classic
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 3 oz single malt whiskey smooth whiskey like Glenlivet Founders Reserve
- .5 oz triple sec
- 2 dashes angostura orange bitters
- ice
Instructions
- Shake: In a cocktail mixer, shake Whiskey, orange bitters, and Triple Sec with ice.
- Prepare Glass: Twist lemon peel over glass and add ice.
- Serve: Strain cocktail into prepared glass with ice. Garnish with lemon peel.
Perfect nightcap