Chancellor, Glasgow, Blood And Sand: Master These Classic Whisky Cocktails
In the world of mixology, the beauty of a perfectly crafted cocktail lies in its ability to transcend time and trends. The appeal of classic whisky cocktails has not only stood the test of time but continues to delight people with their well-balanced and unique flavours. Let’s look at how you can master the art of creating three iconic whisky cocktails – the Chancellor, the Glasgow, and the Blood & Sand.
Chancellor: A Regal Elixir of Whisky and Vermouth
One of the most popular and classic whisky cocktails, very little is known of the origins of the Chancellor. However, many attribute the emergence of the drink in the early 20th century. A cocktail that is the epitome of sophistication, the Chancellor uses vermouth and orange bitters.
Ingredients
60 ml Bourbon whisky
30 ml sweet vermouth
2 dashes of orange bitters
Orange peel for garnishing
Method
Mix the bourbon, sweet vermouth and orange bitters into a cocktail shaker. After the mixture is chilled, strain it into a chilled martini glass. For garnishing, twist the orange peel to release its oils and flavours and drop it into the drink.
The Chancellor is a beautiful amalgamation of the smokiness of the bourbon and the herbal notes of vermouth. The hint of bitterness from the orange bitters adds a layer of complexity to the drink, while the orange twist provides a citrusy aroma.
Glasgow: A Toast to Scotland’s Finest
The Glasgow cocktail pays homage to its namesake city, which is celebrated the world over for its whisky heritage. This classic cocktail emerged during the golden age of cocktails, with each ingredient carefully chosen to showcase the depth and character of Scotch whisky.
Ingredients
60 ml Scotch whisky
30 ml sweet vermouth
7 ml orange liqueur
Orange twist for garnishing
Method
Combine the Scotch whisky, sweet vermouth and orange liqueur in a mixing glass and stir well. Then strain the drink into a glass filled with ice and serve it with a garnish of orange peel.
The complex yet smoky flavour of the cocktail adds to its boldness.
Blood and Sand: A Whisky Red Sunrise
This uniquely named cocktail was inspired by the 1922 movie of the same name, directed by Rudolph Valentino. The cocktail is a delightful mix of Scotch whisky, orange juice, cherry brandy, and sweet vermouth.
Ingredients
22 ml blended Scotch whisky
22 ml orange juice
22 ml cherry brandy
22 ml sweet vermouth
Orange twist for garnish
Method
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine whisky, orange juice, cherry brandy and sweet vermouth. Shake the ingredients vigorously for 10-15 seconds till the mixture is chilled and combined well. Pour the mixture into a pre-chilled coupe or martini glass. Drop the orange twist into the glass after gently pinching it to release its oils and flavours.
Blood and Sand packs in quite a few flavours–the smokiness of Scotch whisky, the tartness of orange juice, the sweetness of cherry brandy, and the herbal notes of sweet vermouth.
Now armed with the knowledge to craft these timeless classics, remember that the key lies in using the highest quality ingredients. Let this be reason enough for you to elevate your mixology skills, and transport yourself to an era when these cocktails first graced the glasses of discerning enthusiasts. Each sip is a journey through history, a celebration of craftsmanship, and a nod to the enduring allure of classic whisky cocktails.
