Monica Berg’s 4 Signature Whisky Cocktails That You Must Try
Monica Berg, the acclaimed mixologist behind London's Tayēr + Elementary, recently shared with us her secrets on how Indian flavours are transforming the world of fine cocktails during a workshop. She also revealed four signature recipes with Johnnie Walker Black Label, a great way to turn any evening with friends into an impressive cocktail experience.
Espresso Dust
This one's for the coffee lovers! The cocktail blends modern scotch appreciation with layers of flavour, where a smoky scotch like Johnnie Walker Black Label provides contrast with passion fruit and coffee.
Ingredients
- 35 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
- 15 ml Caraway Distillate
- 5 ml Passion Fruit Syrup
- 2.5 ml Coffee Liqueur
- 0.5 ml Peychaud's Bitters
- 1 drop Tea Leather Accord
Cocktail Notes
A sophisticated balance where coffee rounds out and deepens the finish whilst preserving the Scotch's character. The drink relies on texture and aroma rather than excessive garnishing for its impact.
Great For:
Perfect for whisky novices seeking familiar coffee flavours, yet complex enough to satisfy experienced bartenders who appreciate intricate construction.
The Citrus Step
For fans of a Japanese highball, this bright, and elegantly precise pour is a must try. With hints of smoke and sweetness, 45 ml of a scotch like Johnnie Walker Black Label provides the foundation, beautifully threaded through by neroli's fruity florals whilst maintaining the spirit's integrity.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
- 10 ml Neroli Cordial
- 80 ml Fever Tree Ginger Ale / Sepoy Ginger
Cocktail Notes:
A cold, taut, and focused serve that demonstrates whisky cocktails needn't be heavy when properly balanced. The emphasis is on clean carbonation and elegant simplicity.
Great For:
Ideal for those who believe whisky cocktails are inherently heavy, proving that balance creates new possibilities.
Also Read: Why Bartenders Prefer Blended Scotch, A Whisky Built For Experimentation
Wild Ember
Deep, with unexpected complexity with contemporary refinement and earthy notes that harmonise with a 45 ml pour of smoky scotch like Johnnie Walker Black Label, enhanced by oak moss with layered wine and sherry components.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
- 13 ml Cocchi Americano
- 13 ml Gonzalez Byass Oloroso Sherry
- 15 ml PSG Cordial
- 1.25 ml Muyu Vertiver Gris
- 1.25 ml Habanero Ash Extract
- 1 drop Oak Moss + Amber Wood Accord
Cocktail Notes
The most profound of the collection, layering multiple components to create surprising depth without sacrificing refinement.
Great For:
Designed for contemporary whisky drinkers who appreciate complexity and aren't afraid of bold, unexpected flavour combinations.
Nectar Bloom
Floral, airy elegance that challenges assumptions about dense whisky cocktails where spicy notes integrate beautifully with cardamom, creating harmony rather than competition.
Ingredients:
- 30 ml Johnnie Walker Black Label
- 10 ml Tio Pepe Fino Sherry
- 10 ml PSG Cordial
- 3 ml Lillet Blanc
- 3 ml Nectarine Liqueur
- 1 ml Muyu Jasmine Verte
- 0.5 ml Green Cardamom Distillate
- 0.5 ml Peychaud's Bitters
Cocktail Notes:
Achieves the perfect balance of elegant refinement without fragility, maintaining clear whisky identity whilst feeling surprisingly light and floral.
Great For:
Perfect for those seeking proof that whisky cocktails can be delicate and sophisticated, appealing to drinkers who prefer lighter, more aromatic serves.
These 4 cocktails are minimal effort creations every whisky lover can try at home for their next casual evening in.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
