Best scotch summer cocktails to drink in the sunshine

Suns out, shaker out. It’s summer cocktail season! This year, swap your clear spirits for the sweet, spiced smoothness of scotch whisky. Our beloved golden liquid is the base for some of the best seasonal serves, and we’ve got a ton of scotch summer cocktails for you to try.

Whether you’re sipping poolside, hosting a garden party, getting the BBQ on or simply fancy a refreshing drink on a warm evening, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best summer cocktails.

Umeshu Highball

The Umeshu Highball is a light, effervescent mix of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, Japanese plum liqueur and sparkling soda that delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and refreshment. Its crisp bubbles and subtle stone-fruit aroma make it an easygoing sipper for warm afternoons. Think of it as a breezy, low-effort cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass.

VIEW RECIPE

Scotch Whisky Smash

A Whisky Smash is the ultimate whisky summer cocktail. The sublime mix of fresh lemon, mint leaves and smooth, spiced scotch is unbeatable. Stick to the OG Whisky Smash recipe or make up a variation of this classic cocktail.

VIEW RECIPE

Mint Lime Smash

Bring on beach day, we’ve got a cocktail to suit. This simple yet summery Mint Lime Smash is super easy to make, whisking you away to an exotic destination in minutes. It’s got lime, mint and honey syrup, the perfect combination for The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve whisky.

Elderflower Collins

The Elderflower Collins puts a floral twist on the classic, pairing The Glenlivet whisky’s smooth yet bold notes with bright lemon and fragrant elderflower for a refreshingly elegant sip. Topped with sparkling soda, it’s light, citrusy, and perfectly balanced for warm-weather lounging. A breezy upgrade to a summer staple, it feels both familiar and delightfully unexpected.

VIEW RECIPE

Tartan Tiki

If you love a Mai Tai, you’ll love a Tartan Tiki. This party fave is essentially a Mai Tai with whisky, making it extra smooth, extra sweet and extra summery. Add in pineapple juice, peach sparkling water and two dashes of bitters for a bit of bite, and voila! It’s a Caribbean inspired cocktail hour.

Rose Royale

The Rose Royale is a vibrant, lightly effervescent cocktail that blends the whisky’s soft fruit notes with a rose tea infusion for a subtly aromatic finish. Sparkling wine adds lift and sparkle, making it feel celebratory without being heavy. It’s a summery, elegant pick for anyone who wants something refreshing with a hint of romance.

Caribbean Fire

Make a drink that packs a punch with Caribbean Fire, a spicy whisky cocktail inspired by the scorching days of summer. Inspired by the classic Bloody Mary, we’ve added a smoking hot, tropical twist perfect for sipping under the sun.

Raspberry Cranachan

Inspired by our friends in Speyside, this raspberry whisky cocktail is a true Scottish celebration. Use fresh berries from Scotland from a truly authentic taste, then shake with The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, sugar syrup, lemon juice and a dash of balsamic vinegar for acidity. The whisky and raspberry combo also happens to be the star Cranachan, Scotland’s most famous dessert.

VIEW RECIPE

Carnivale

If you like your drinks light and refreshing, then Carnivale may well be your perfect serve. The simple mix of whisky with coconut water and a dash of bitters makes for a soft, smooth highball that’s perfect for sipping all summer long. Got guests? Stir together enough for a few rounds in a pitcher or punch bowl.

VIEW RECIPE

Grapefruit Paloma

Love grapefruit? Good. You’ll be a fan of the Grapefruit Paloma. This take on a Mexican classic is a real crowd pleaser, packed with fruity flavours, zest and refreshing sweetness. Shake up grapefruit juice, fresh lime and sugar syrup with The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve to get summer ready.

Elderflower Peach Old Fashioned

The Elderflower Peach Old Fashioned brings a sunny, orchard-fresh twist to the classic cocktail, blending ripe peach and delicate elderflower with the whisky’s warm, silky character.

It’s a little sweeter and more floral than the traditional version, but still rich enough to savour slowly. A summery, modern riff that’s perfect for golden-hour sipping.

VIEW RECIPE