If you’re interested in whisky or have just begun to explore the world of this brown spirit, cocktails can be an excellent way to dive in—these drinks serve as a fantastic introduction to appreciating whisky.
One standout option is the Ginger Highball crafted with Johnnie Walker Black Label.
For those new to whisky and eager to understand this spirit better, a great starting point is cocktail exploration. One effective method to develop a taste for whisky’s rich and intricate flavors is to enjoy it within a cocktail. Dr. Emma Walker, the Master Blender for Johnnie Walker, a leading name in blended Scotch whisky, emphasizes the importance of flavor. As chief blender, Walker is responsible for drawing inspiration from an impressive collection of 10 million casks from across Scotland—making it the largest gathering of whiskies worldwide. Instead of feeling daunted by the vast array of flavor options, Walker sees it as a chance to invite everyone to appreciate whisky. “There’s something there for everyone, and that is just beautiful,” she shares. “There are always flavors in there that people are going to enjoy. It might be as a dram, it might be as a highball, it might be as a cocktail.”
Walker strongly believes that there should be no rigid rules around enjoying whisky. “It’s not true that whisky belongs to a specific gender or should be drunk in a certain fashion at a particular time of day. Consider some of our innovations, like Johnny Blonde, which is a lighter and more approachable choice designed for mixing with lemonade or into cocktails.”
Utilizing a highball is one of the simplest ways to explore the flavors you desire—make sure to have a good quality soda water on hand (Fever Tree is an excellent choice) as well as plenty of fresh ice and citrus. Walker shares, “The highball serves as a fantastic entry point for those venturing into whisky. It’s light and refreshing, and less intense than sipping whisky neat, making it more accessible to newcomers. This cocktail allows for great customization – you can combine whisky with soda water, ginger ale, or other flavored sodas to match your preferences. Personally, I appreciate a highball made with blood orange soda or tonic water.” When it comes to the spirit, Walker suggests using their Black Label blend, stating that “the harmonious combination of creamy toffee, soft apple, vanilla, and a hint of smokiness makes it a versatile choice that excels in cocktails, delivering bold flavors without overpowering the palate.” It’s not solely about serious moments of contemplation while staring into a fire with a dram in hand. Instead, Walker advises, “Ultimately, it boils down to this: when choosing the whisky cocktail that’s perfect for you, prioritize flavor above all else, always go for flavor first.”
Preparation: Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled highball glass and garnish with a lime wheel.
Apple Sparkler Highball
Preparation: Mix all components in an ice-filled highball glass and garnish with candied ginger.
Lemon Highball
Preparation: Build all ingredients into an ice-filled highball glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Whisky Colada
Pecan Cane
Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a shaker, vigorously shake with two ice pieces and strain over pebble ice.
Ice Chalet is the latest limited edition from the brand—once it’s sold out, it’s unavailable forever. This unique cocktail is made from a selection of whiskies distilled during Scotland’s coldest years. Adding Champagne (any method champenoise brut will do) elevates it to a luxurious drink.
*Honeyed apple juice:
Preparation: Gently heat the apple juice and blossom honey together until the honey is completely dissolved. Let it cool. In a highball glass pre-dusted with blue matcha, combine 20ml of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet, 40ml of honeyed apple juice, 60ml of Brut Champagne, and 5 drops of mint bitters with an ice column or a large cube. Mix the ingredients until perfectly chilled and serve.
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