Calories:~200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~10g
Alcohol:%:~30
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 16, 2024
The Highlander cocktail is a modern twist on classic Scottish and Mexican spirits, combining the smoky flavors of scotch and mezcal with the sweetness of simple syrup. It's a drink that pays homage to the rugged terrain of Scotland and the fiery heart of Mexico. Ideal for those who appreciate a cocktail with depth and character.
The Highlander cocktail offers a robust and smoky flavor profile with an underlying sweetness. The scotch provides a warm, earthy base, while the mezcal introduces a subtle smokiness. The simple syrup balances the strength of the spirits, and the rosemary adds a hint of herbal freshness.
Scotch brings a depth with its smoky, sometimes peaty flavor. It's the Highlander's kilt - without it, it's just not the same! Too much, and you'd be drowning in the peat bogs.
This is your surprise; a touch of smoke and earthiness. Mezcal turns the cocktail from a soothing lullaby into a highland fling! Skimp on this, and you'll miss the mysterious whisper of the agave.
It's the diplomat here, balancing out the intense personalities of scotch and mezcal. Not enough, and it might get too heated; too much, and you've got a sugar-rush highlander.
The herb that sings of the highland heaths. It adds a botanical whisper to the storm of flavors. Without it, the drink loses its aromatic Highlander chant.
This is for the show! It doesn't add flavor, but it shrouds our Highlander in an enigmatic mist. Without it, you just lose some theatricality.
These are the earth, the grounding force in our infusion. They lend a bitter, chocolatey backdrop which, without, would make our Highlander a little less grounded.
The canvas of our infusion, it carries the flavors of cocoa and rosemary. Skimp on this, and the infusion's too strong; overdo it, and it's weak tea at best.
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The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupPlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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The Highlander cocktail is best served in a bowl-shaped wine glass to enhance the presentation and allow the aroma of the rosemary and smoke to be appreciated.
Yes, you can batch the scotch, mezcal, and simple syrup in advance, but prepare the Creme De Cacao Cloud and rosemary infusion fresh to maintain the visual effect and flavor.
Yes, dry ice is safe for creating theatrical smoke effects in drinks, but ensure that the dry ice has fully sublimated (turned into gas) before consumption to avoid the risk of cold burns or ingestion.
Stir the cocktail with ice for about 30 seconds to properly dilute and chill the drink without over-diluting it.
If you don't have a decanter, any heat-proof glass container will work, as long as it can safely contain the hot liquid and allow the dry ice cloud to form.
Rosemary adds an herbal freshness and ties together the earthy, smoky notes of the cocktail with its fragrant aroma, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a complex, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail with a rich, velvety texture. The mezcal provides an earthy, smoky backbone, while the agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness and the Angostura bitters bring a subtle bitterness to balance the flavors.
The Bonfire cocktail has a smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is a well-balanced drink with a hint of warmth and a smooth finish.
The Burnt Martini has a bold, smoky flavor with a subtle hint of citrus. It is a strong, dry cocktail with a smooth, velvety texture and a slightly bitter aftertaste.
The Eclipse cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. The añejo tequila provides a rich, oaky base, while the Aperol adds a touch of bitterness. The Heering cherry liqueur imparts a sweet, fruity note, and the lemon juice brings a refreshing tang. The mezcal, although used sparingly, adds a distinctive smoky flavor that lingers on the palate.
The Peyote cocktail offers a complex and intriguing taste profile, with sweet, sour, and herbal notes. The sweetness of the agave syrup balances the tartness of the lime juice, while the earthy flavors of the mezcal and cactus juice create a unique and memorable experience.
The Polar Bear is a cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, with the mezcal providing a smoky base, while the vermouth adds a touch of sweetness. The creme de menthe gives it a refreshing minty taste, and the angelica tincture or celery bitters add a hint of bitterness. It's a cocktail that's both refreshing and warming, perfect for a cold winter's night.
The Cucumber Martini is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a subtle hint of botanicals. It has a light, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The cucumber adds a cool, fresh flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin and the tanginess of the lemon.
The Ruby cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of raspberry, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and tangy taste, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The overall flavor profile is well-balanced, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy both sweet and sour cocktails.
The Irish Cactus offers a rich, creamy sweetness with a bold undercurrent of agave from the tequila. It's a harmonious blend of smooth and fiery, with a velvety texture that coats the palate.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
The Rusty Nail is a smooth, sweet, and slightly spicy cocktail with a strong, warming whiskey backbone. The honey and herbal notes from the Drambuie complement the smoky, peaty flavors of the Scotch.
The Penicillin cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and smoky flavors. The honey and lemon provide a bright, refreshing sweetness, while the ginger adds a warm, spicy kick. The blended Scotch whisky gives the drink a smooth, rich base, and the Islay Scotch lends a distinct smoky, peaty finish.
The Blood and Sand cocktail has a well-balanced, rich, and complex flavor profile. It is both sweet and sour, with a hint of smokiness from the Scotch whisky. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus note, while the sweet vermouth and cherry liqueur provide a smooth, velvety sweetness.
