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THE BEST 8 COCKTAILS TO SERVE WITH A STEAK DINNER

It’s difficult to describe the unique flavour of a perfectly cooked steak. But if we were to give it a go, we’d say rich, deep, buttery and sweet yet satisfyingly savoury.

The intense flavour of steak also pairs perfectly with scotch whisky. That’s because whisky shares a similar flavour profile – it’s most definitely rich and deep. And adding a super refreshing element by opting for a whisky cocktail to complement your steak is the ideal dinner and drinks scenario. 

Just like how everyone likes their steak slightly differently, we all like to enjoy our whisky slightly differently, too. Luckily, there are lots of great cocktails to enjoy with your steak, from classic drinks to modern cocktail creations. 

A carefully cooked steak with a delicious cocktail is sure to impress whoever you’re cooking for (or ordering in front of) whether it’s a date, a family meal or a treat just for you. 

If you’re looking for the best cocktails to pair with your next steak dinner, you’re in the right place.

OLD FASHIONED

The beauty of a good steak dinner is in its simplicity. A perfectly cooked steak with some crispy fries and a tasty sauce is all you need on the plate. 

And the same can be said for the Old Fashioned cocktail – it’s simple and hard to beat, making it a perfect cocktail pairing with steak.

A good Old Fashioned is all about accentuating the notes of the whisky you choose, in our case, The Glenlivet 18 Year Old, with its rich fruity aroma, apricot tone and spicy flavour profile.

Add sugar, a little whisky and some ice into your glass of choice. Give it a stir for about 30 seconds or until the sugar has dissolved, then add a spot more whisky and the bitters. Keep stirring for another minute – remember, patience is a virtue… Add the rest of your whisky and you guessed it, stir again. 

Don’t forget to give it a taste and make any necessary adjustments, just like you would do when cooking your steak dinner. Garnish with a large orange twist for some je nais se quois.

You just can’t go wrong with an ultimate Old Fashioned, it’s undeniably one of the best cocktails with steak.

the glenlivet 18 year old ultimate old fashioned whisky cocktail drink

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Unrefined Cane Sugar
5 g
Perfect Bitters Blend
2 dashes

METHOD

  1. Add the unrefined caster sugar into the glass and add a little whisky and ice.
  2. Stir slowly to dissolve the sugar for about half a minute, add a little more whisky and the bitters and continue to stir for another minute.
  3. Add the remaining whisky and stir, taste for balance and adjust if necessary.
  4. Garnish with a large orange twist expressed over the surface of the drink.

WHISKY SOUR

This is another classic cocktail that pairs brilliantly with steak and uses just a handful of ingredients. The sharp flavours of a Whisky Sour provide a perfect contrast with rich meat that makes for a ridiculously moreish duo.

We make ours with The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, an ultra smooth, fruity scotch that adds notes of pineapple and vanilla to this slightly sour cocktail.

And it’s super easy to rustle up… simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and give it a good shake. Next step: add ice and shake again. Once it’s nice and chilled, strain into a glass and enjoy.

the glenlivet whisky sour cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Lemon Juice
25 ml
Simple Syrup
12 ml
Egg White or Aquafaba (Optional)
12 ml

METHOD

  1. Build in shaker.
  2. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.
  3. Strain into glass.

SCOTCH MINT JULEP

This British twist of a mint julep with scotch uses The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve, which is finished in cognac casks to give it an intense, fruity flavour that cuts through sumptuous steak perfectly.

As well as whisky, you’ll need fresh red apple juice, a shot of Poire William and some mint and cardamom pods for garnishing.

Add all the ingredients bar the garnish, into a julep tin and churn. Then add the mint springs and cardamom pods for added charm. 

Minimal effort yet maximum flavour – you’ll definitely be in the good books with The Captain’s Quarter cocktail.

the glenlivet captains reserve captains quarter whisky julep

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve
60 ml
Fresh Red Apple Juice
30 ml
Green Cardamom Syrup
15 ml
Poire William
7.5 ml
Mint for Garnish
Cardamom pods for Garnish

METHOD

  1. Build and churn in a julep tin.
  2. Garnish with mint sprigs and cardamom pods.

MARASCHINO CHERRY MANHATTAN

The Maraschino Cherry Manhattan is a cocktail for whisky lovers and steak lovers alike… so you’re in good hands with this drink.

Our version uses The Glenlivet 12 Year Old paired with sweet maraschino cherries – it’s a flavour sensation that will elevate your steak dinner to new culinary heights.

Mix the whisky, Luxardo liqueur, vermouth and a splash of cherry juice in a mixing glass. Fill up with ice and stir, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Skewer the cherries onto a cocktail pick and add a few dashes of bitters, then place on the rim of your glass and serve.

A short and sweet cocktail that’s best served with a steak dinner.

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Luxardo Liqueur
25 ml
Dry Vermouth
17 ml
Maraschino Cherries (Preferably Luxardo)
3
Maraschino Cherry Juice from the Jar
1 tsp
Angostura Bitters (for Garnish)
Ice Cubes

METHOD

  1. Combine The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Luxardo Liqueur, vermouth, and a splash of Luxardo cherry juice in a mixing glass.
  2. Fill with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
  4. Skewer cherries on a cocktail pick and garnish with the pick and a few dashes of bitters.
  5. Serve immediately.

NEW YORK SOUR

If you can’t quite leave behind the red wine and steak combination, then this cocktail will please your taste buds.

Meet the New York Sour, a drink perfect for the wine and whisky lover whose looking to expand their palette.

A red wine float creates a beautiful rich layer atop a classic whisky sour base.

It’s rich, sweet and warming. Perfect for pairing with red meat dinners.

Whis

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 14 Year Old
1.5 Parts
Lemon Juice
0.75 Parts
Sugar
0.5 Parts
Ice
8 Parts
Red Wine
3 Parts

METHOD

  1. Build all ingredients, except wine, in blender and blend
  2. Pour wine in coupe glass
  3. Top with frozen sour
  4. Garnish with cherries

THE GODFATHER

Serve your steak dinner with serious attitude, The Godfather style.

Inspired by the classic movie, this classic whisky drink is simple yet punchy, with only two ingredients.

Amaretto and our 15 Year old scotch combine to create a sweet, nutty cocktail you simply can’t refuse. Perfect for elevating the juicy charred grill of a steak, or serving as an after dinner sipper.

All you need to do is add the spirits together over ice and baddabing, you’re ready to go.

the-glenlivet-the-godfather-cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old
45 ml
Amaretto
15 ml
Zest of Orange, Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

METHOD

  1. Add all ingredients to a Mixing Vessel over Cubed Ice.
  2. Stir for 10-15 seconds.
  3. Strain into a Rocks Glass over Cubed Ice.
  4. Garnish with a Zest of Orange and a Maraschino Cherry.
  5. Serve.

SANGRIA PUNCH

Take inspiration from the Spanish with this Whisky Sangria Punch. Perfect for serving with a mediterranean steak dinner.

The combination of rich red wine and scotch creates a seriously smooth drink with depth of flavour. Whilst the addition of cinnamon, lemon juice and a citrus fruit garnish bring a fresh, spiced twist.

Serve it punch style with steak to show off just how versatile whisky can be at your next whisky pairing dinner party. It’s guaranteed to be a hit.

 

the glenlivet founders reserve sangria whisky drink 3

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
30 ml
Lemon Juice
10 ml
Cinnamon Black Tea Syrup
10 ml
Red Wine
60 ml
Lemon & Orange Wheels (for Garnish)

METHOD

  1. Combine all ingredients within punch bowl.
  2. Add ice and stir to combine.
  3. Garnish with lemon and orange wheels for a seasonal touch.

RUSTY NAIL

We’re ending with another super easy whisky cocktail that packs a punch and goes great with steak, whether it’s ribeye, fillet or sirloin.

The Rusty Nail pairs honey with whisky, another classic flavour combination, and this deep, sweet yet sharp combination creates a truly mouth watering accompaniment to steak.

Load up a tumbler with ice, adding The Glenlivet 12 Year Old and some whisky liqueur. Stir carefully to make sure it’s well combined. Then simply add your lemon peel for a little garnish, and serve.

Easy pleasy… lemon, honey and whisky squeasy!

With whisky cocktails this simple, there’s no excuse not to serve one with your steak dinner, even if you’re feeling the heat from the kitchen.

If you love experimenting with whisky and food, our guide to cooking with whisky is not one to miss. If exciting flavour combos are what you are looking for, our collection of whisky cocktail recipes and whisky and cheese pairing recommendations might be of interest.

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