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7 variations on the whisky smash for summer sessions

Whisky, mint and lemon is a classic combo. The refreshing pairing of citrus and herbs is warmed by smooth scotch and poured over ice to make a simply sublime drink, otherwise known as the whisky smash.

It’s a popular cocktail year round, but nothing quite beats a smash at a scorching summer BBQ or balmy alfresco brunch. It’s also an easy recipe to refashion. Make it fruity, add some sweetness or bump up the zing with extra zest for the perfect summer cocktail

Here’s our go-to whisky smash variations for spring, summer or whenever you fancy.

Coco Lime Whisky Smash

Put the lime in the coconut and drink them both together… whisky smash style. Meet the Coco Lime Smash, an exotic take on the classic recipe. Swapping lemon for lime, this drink is extra zesty and seriously summery. And an extra splash of coconut water delivers those island vibes straight to your glass. 

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
50 ml
Coconut Water
37.5 ml
Lime Wedges
2
Part Simple Syrup
12.5 ml
Mint Leaves
8

METHOD

  1. Combine simple syrup, lime and mint within shaker. Muddle.
  2. Add whisky and ice. Shake and pour into glass.
  3. Top with coconut water.
  4. Garnish with lime wedge & mint.

Strawberry Basil Smash

Go quintessentially British with a Strawberry Basil Smash. This fruity sweet duo looks as good as it tastes with its bright red and green garnish; the perfect garden party drink. You’ll often find these flavours mixed with gin – but we prefer ours with a dash of creamy smooth scotch like The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve.

Mint Lime Whisky Smash

Keep yourself (and your guests) cool this summer with this ultra fresh drink. The Mint Smash is easy to make and easy to drink, so keep the recipe handy for when you need to whip up a quick round. Mix chilled mint tea with honey, lime and our classically smooth scotch whisky and get ready to win top level hosting points. 

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
40 ml
Lime Wedges
3
Chilled Double Strong Mint Tea
30 ml
Honey Syrup
10 ml

METHOD

  1. Combine honey syrup and lime within shaker. Muddle.
  2. Add whisky and ice. Shake. Pour into glass.
  3. Top with chilled double strong mint tea.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint.

Apple Cinnamon Whisky Smash

Smashes aren’t just for summer. This warming recipe calls for two classic autumnal flavours that will get you feeling festive in just one sip. Simply swap in some apple cider and cinnamon syrup to our whisky smash recipe and garnish with a cinnamon stick for extra spice. 

Pineapple Whisky Smash

Take your cocktail game to tropical climates with a Pineapple Whisky Smash, the ultimate sunshine sipper for cloud-free afternoons. Shake up your smash with pineapple, lime and tons of ice in a glass, jug or please-a-crowd punch bowl. We make ours with The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve. This twist on our single malt scotch is partly finished in barrels that previously held Caribbean rum for a super fruity finish. 

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
50 ml
Chilled Pineapple Juice
37.5 ml
Lime Wedges
2
Simple Syrup
12.5 ml
Mint Leaves
8

METHOD

  1. Combine simple syrup, lime and mint within shaker. Muddle.
  2. Add whisky and ice. Shake and pour into glass.
  3. Top with chilled pineapple juice.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint.

Berry Whisky Smash

Give your smash a super fruity twist with this summer cocktail recipe. It’s a great way to use up frozen or fresh berries which add a tart sweetness to the warmth of scotch whisky. Start by making a syrup by dissolving sugar into water in a saucepan. Then add your berries of choice and a spoonful of lemon juice and simmer for 10 minutes before straining. Our favourite flavour is a Blueberry Whisky Smash, bursting with juicy sweetness.

Mango Tea Whisky Smash

Goodbye iced tea, hello mango tea! The Mango Smash is the new cocktail on the block for those who fancy a refreshing cooler with a smooth whisky kick. Made with chilled mango black tea and a dosing of honey, it’s beautifully light, sweet and refreshing. The ultimate accompaniment for spontaneous summer days with friends.

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
50 ml
Chilled Double Strong Mango Black Tea
37.5 ml
Simple Syrup or Honey Syrup
12.5 ml
Mint Leaves
8
Lime Wedges
3

METHOD

  1. Combine simple syrup, lime, and mint in shaker. Muddle.
  2. Add whisky, tea, and ice. Shake. Pour into glass.
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint.

Got the bug for cocktail creation? Put your mark on other classic drinks with our collection of Old Fashioned recipes and Hot Toddy variations. You can also get more inspiration for whisky cocktail recipes