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15 perfect cocktails for your brunch party crowd

Let’s raise a toast to the most important meal of the weekend. Combining the flavours of breakfast with the fun and flair of a well-crafted fruity cocktail, drinks with brunch are the perfect way to unwind and indulge after a long week.

Here we’ve handpicked the best brunch cocktails and breakfast drinks that will elevate your late morning meal to the next level, whether for a few friends or to batch make for a crowd. Grab your whisky, grab your shaker, and let’s get mixing.

Remember to drink responsibly – you still have the rest of the day to get through.

Golden Highball

Meet the Golden Highball, a refreshingly easy serve made for pairing with a delicious brunch spread. Made with orange and honey, it highlights the orchard fruit flavours of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old. Make sure to add a rosemary and lemon wheel garnish for extra style points.

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Orange liqueur
10 ml
Honey
2.5 ml
Club soda to top
Rosemary sprig and lemon wheel for garnish

METHOD

  1. Add all ingredients except for the club soda to a mixing glass.
  2. Add ice and top with club soda.
  3. Top up with ice.
  4. Garnish and serve.

Maple Whisky Sour

Indulge in this tasty twist on a cocktail classic. The Maple Whisky Sour features the creamy notes of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve whisky, perfectly complemented by the sweet taste of maple syrup, and a hit of sour lemon. Garnish with a spiral of zest and serve with pancakes.

Maple Whisky Sour

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Lemon Juice
25 ml
Maple Syrup
15 ml
Egg White/20ml Aquafaba (Optional)
1

METHOD

  1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with Cubed Ice.
  2. Shake.
  3. Double Strain into Rocks Glass over Cubed Ice OR a Chilled Coupe without ice.
  4. Garnish with a Zest of Lemon.
  5. Serve.

Scotch Whisky Coffee

Yes, a coffee is nice with breakfast, but this is brunch. Introducing your new favourite whisky coffee cocktail. Featuring The Glenlivet 12 Year Old whisky, this recipe offers a unique blend of rich coffee and smooth, creamy flavours – the addition of a nutmeg garnish creates a subtle, yet satisfying kick. Just grate it on top after pouring. 

Kilted Coffee Cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Powdered Sugar
1 tsp
Your Milk Of Choice
230 ml
Nutmeg To Garnish

METHOD

  1. Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake.
  2. Strain into a glass.
  3. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Scotch Lime Smash

Looking for a fresh summer cocktail idea that will deliver similar tropical vibes to your go-to piña colada? Give this coconut whisky cocktail a try. Made with The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve, coconut water, and zesty lime, it’s a fruity concoction that is sure to be a hit amongst your guests and is the ultimate easy brunch cocktail to batch make for a crowd.

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.

The Glenlivet Royale

Whether you’re celebrating, or just a big fan of the bubbly, this whisky champagne cocktail is sure to make your brunch a special one. Combine The Glenlivet 12, lemon juice, honey water and pop open a bottle of the best. This one is certain to put smiles on faces.

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
35 ml
Lemon Juice
15 ml
Honey Water
15 ml
Champagne
80 ml
Lemon Twist

METHOD

  1. Pour The Glenlivet 12, lemon juice and honey water into a chilled flute.
  2. Top with champagne, stir and garnish with a lemon twist.

Apple Cinnamon Spritz

With its irresistible combination of fresh apple juice and lightly spiced cinnamon, the Apple Cinnamon Spritz is sure to become your new favourite brunch drink. It’s perfect for autumnal spreads between bites of blueberry pancakes and cinnamon swirls.

the glenlivet apple cinnamon spritz whisky cocktail mobile

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Whisky
30 ml
Apple Cider
50 ml
Simple Syrup
25 ml
Ground Cinnamon
1 Large Pinch
Brut Sparkling Wine or Champagne
75 ml
Apple Slices, Lemon Round, and Cinnamon Stick (for Garnish)
Ice Cubes

METHOD

  1. Pour the apple cider, The Glenlivet 12 Year Old whisky and simple syrup into the bottom of a wine glass.
  2. Sprinkle with the cinnamon, add ice, and stir to combine until well chilled.
  3. Top with sparkling wine, garnish with apple slices, lemon, and cinnamon stick, and serve immediately.

Scottish Spring Matcha

Here is one that is guaranteed to impress your guests. With a vibrant green colour and a delicious blend of coconut and lime, this cocktail will wash down those pancakes nicely. To top it off, an edible flower adds a touch of elegance to this already delightful matcha cocktail.

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
2 Parts
Cream of coconut
2 Parts
Matcha
0.25 Parts
Lime Juice
0.5 Parts

METHOD

  1. Combine ingredients in shaker
  2. Shake and strain
  3. Garnish top with matcha dusting and with edible flowers

Full Scottish Marmalade

Don’t just spread it on your toast, add it to your shaker too. This marmalade cocktail is a serious crowd pleaser. The Glenlivet 15 Year Old whisky, partnered with bitter orange and a splash of port makes for a tasty serve with a gorgeous ruby colour. Happy mixing!

the glenlivet 15 year old full scottish marmalade whisky cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old Whisky
50 ml
Lemon Juice
20 ml
White Port or Ruby Port
15 ml
Simple Syrup
5 ml
Orange Marmalade
15 ml

METHOD

  1. Place all ingredients (including the marmalade) in a cocktail shaker and shake hard.
  2. Strain into a whisky tumbler filled with cubed ice.
  3. Garnish with thin strips of orange zest similar to the ones found in marmalade.

Whisky Hot Chocolate

It’s very hard to beat a hot chocolate when you’re tucking into a flakey croissant. With that said, adding a glug of whisky takes it up a notch. Garnish with a spiral of squirty cream, a touch of cinnamon, and there you have it – a delicious whisky hot chocolate. Keep it on the stove and you’ve got an easy brunch drink for a group.

Whisky Hot Chocolate - The Glenlivet

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Whisky
50 ml
Milk of Choice
250 ml
Cocoa Powder
1 tbsp
Soft Brown Sugar
1 tsp
Chocolate of Choice (Finely Chopped)
25 g
Cinnamon (For Garnish)
Sprinkle

METHOD

  1. Add the milk to a pan and gently heat (don’t allow to boil).
  2. Add cocoa powder, soft brown sugar and chocolate to the pan, and lightly whisk to dissolve into the milk.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat.
  4. Separately, add The Glenlivet Founders Reserve whisky to a heated mug.
  5. Add the hot chocolate mixture over the whisky and stir lightly.
  6. Garnish with squirty cream, extra finely chopped chocolate and cinnamon.
  7. Serve.

Scotch Milk Punch

This Milk Punch is so good you’ll want to pour it over your cereal. Shake up your milk, powdered sugar and The Glenlivet 12 Year Old whisky. Any dairy or non-dairy milk works well, so all your guests can sip away. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and let brunch commence.

the-glenlivet-scotch-milk-punch

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Powdered Sugar
1 tsp.
Your Milk Of Choice
230 ml
Nutmeg To Garnish

METHOD

  1. Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake.
  2. Strain into a glass.
  3. Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Small Voice Of Calm

Refresh your guests with this wonderfully zingy whisky lemon cocktail. This serve has delightful floral undertones and just enough fizz to tickle your tastebuds. Garnish with chamomile flowers or a wedge of lemon – or both, why not?

the glenlivet lemon whisky cocktail recipe

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Whisky
50 ml
Chamomile Tea Syrup
26 ml
Lemon Juice
10 ml
Soda Water
100 ml
Lemon Wedge for Garnish
Dried Camomile Flowers (for the Syrup)
10 g
Caster Sugar (for the Syrup)
300 g

METHOD

  1. Pour the whisky, lemon juice and syrup into a cocktail shaker and lightly shake to mix the ingredients.
  2. Strain over cubed ice in a short glass and top up with chilled soda water.
  3. Garnish with chamomile flowers or a wedge of lemon.

Peach & Elderflower Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned may seem like a cocktail which is more for sipping gently as an evening draws to a close, but don’t overlook it as the perfect accompaniment to your brunch menu.

Our Peach and Elderflower Old Fashioned recipe is a lighter, fruiter variation that delivers a beautiful balance warmth, sweetness, and floral bitterness. This means it can cut through rich, savoury dishes and complement sweet ones without overwhelming your palate.

Elderflower & Peach Old fashioned The Glenlivet 12YO

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 year Old Whisky
50 ml
Elderflower Cordial
10 ml
Peach Bitters
3 dashes

METHOD

  1. Add ingredients to mixing glass.
  2. Stir down over ice.
  3. Serve over ice in a rocks glass.
  4. Garnish with a peach slice.

Scotch & Soda

It’s quick and easy, yet undeniably refreshing. For this classic combo, add a splash of your favourite whisky and top with quality soda water – simple as that. Give it a stir and place a wheel of lemon on top. It’s impossible to go wrong with a Whisky and Soda.

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founders Reserve Whisky
150 ml
Soda
150 ml
Lemon Peel

METHOD

  1. Fill your glass full with ice.
  2. Add whisky and top with soda.
  3. Garnish with lemon wheel.

Grain & Cane

Raspberry lovers, keep reading. This serve takes inspiration from the traditional Scottish dessert, Cranachan, and incorporates white balsamic vinegar for a unique depth of flavour. You’ll also need The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, fresh raspberries, lemon juice and sugar syrup. A raspberry cocktail like this is a guaranteed winner wherever it’s served.

Cranachan raspberry whisky cocktail recipe - The Glenlivet

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Whisky
50 ml
Fresh Raspberries
5
Lemon Juice
15 ml
White Balsamic Vinegar
5 ml
Simple Syrup
15 ml

METHOD

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over crushed ice in a highball glass.
  2. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a grind of black pepper.

After more drinks inspiration? Discover our full collection of whisky cocktails including fun drinks to make with friends and the best welcome drinks.