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12 FALL WHISKY DRINKS FOR THANKSGIVING

It’s that time of year when the nights get longer, there’s a nip in the air and you start to think about swapping out your summer wardrobe for chunky knit sweaters and cosy boots. 

As the season transitions, our food and drink choices also change. Instead of salads for lunch, we crave hot bowls of soup or hearty stews and rather than light cocktails that will refresh us in the heat, we turn to deep flavours that will cut through the chill and even leave us feeling a little festive.

Whether you are looking for warm whisky drinks to sip as you sit around a bonfire or a whisky cocktail that is perfect to include as part of your Thanksgiving celebrations, you are guaranteed to find something perfect in our pick of the best whisky drinks for autumn.

the glenlivet apple cinnamon spritz whisky cocktail mobile

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
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, 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.

Apple Cinnamon Spritz

Our apple cinnamon cocktail combines two classic autumn flavours for a drink that invokes the same sense of joy as the first bite of an apple pie that is fresh out of the oven. It uses sparkling wine or champagne to give it a delightful fizz, whilst a large pinch of cinnamon provides a warming kick.

the glenlivet founders reserve bonfire hot toddy whisky cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
40 ml
Lemon Juice
15 ml
Honey
15 ml
Apple Cider
80 ml
Grated Cinnamon, Cayenne, and Lemon Wheel (for Garnish)

METHOD

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mug.
  2. Serve hot or chilled.
  3. Garnish with grated cinnamon, dusting of cayenne, lemon wheel.

Hot Toddy

It is believed that the Hot Toddy that we know and love today has its origins in Britain-controlled India in the 17th century. By the 19th century, it had worked its way across the pond, been adapted and began to be recommended as a way to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold.  

Nowadays, the Hot Toddy is ideal for sipping on cold evenings. Its ingredients include whisky, honey, lemon, and cinnamon which result in a drink that is warming and sweet with the perfect hint of spice.

the glenlivet caribbiean reserve celebration coffee whisky cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
20 ml
Rompope
20 ml
Cold Brew
80 ml
Cinnamon (for Garnish)

METHOD

  1. Combine ingredients in a mug.
  2. Serve hot or chilled.
  3. Garnish with cinnamon.

Celebración

If you are looking for simple fall whisky drinks that still pack a punch, then our rompope whisky cocktail might be just what you are looking for. It combines whisky, Rompope and cold brew finished off with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The result is a creamy whisky cocktail that is reminiscent of eggnog but with a tropical, alcoholic twist.

the glenlivet founders reserve golden storm highball whisky cocktails

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
50 ml
Lemon Juice
20 ml
Golden Ginger Syrup
25 ml
Soda Water
120 ml
Ginger Root (for the Syrup)
1 tsp

METHOD

  1. Stir together The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, lemon juice and golden ginger syrup in a tall glass with cubed ice.
  2. Top up with soda water.
  3. Garnish with a sliced ginger and pieces of crystallised ginger.

Golden Storm

References to ginger in recorded history go back as far as 500BC and it has been used in culinary and medicinal recipes ever since then. Golden Storm is our take on the classic whisky ginger cocktail and uses this much-loved ingredient to add sweetness and spice. The recipe also calls for soda water which creates a refreshing drink that is still perfect for serving at fall get-togethers.

The Side Kick

The perfect winter whisky cocktail, The Side Kick cocktail is an amalgamation of a Sidecar and a Cameron’s Kick. It uses some of the most festive flavours, including sherry, almond, cinnamon and clove for a short, sour cocktail that tastes and smells delicious.

Cold Toddy

The Hot Toddy’s chilled-out twin, the Cold Toddy includes all the same characteristic flavours of citrus and spice but is served cold. It’s ideal if you want the taste of autumn but are looking for something a little more refreshing. The honey helps bring out the natural sweetness of the whisky whilst the lemon enhances the caramel, woodsy tones.

the glenlivet 15 year old valley of the bees whisky cocktail drink

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old
50 ml
Heather Honey Syrup
7.5 ml
Aromatic Bitters
1 dash(es)
Lemon
Orange
Heather Flowers (for the Syrup)
20 g
Heather Honey (for the Syrup)
300 ml

METHOD

  1. Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
  2. Strain over a large ice ball into a glass.
  3. Twist the oils of lemon and orange peel to finish.

Valley of the Bees

This cocktail combines scotch and honey and is the perfect cocktail for transitioning from summer to fall. It’s refreshing and light but the lemon and orange alongside aromatic bitters provide flavours that are synonymous with colder weather and the festive season.

The Glenlivet 18 Year Old Ultimate Old Fashioned Whisky Cocktail

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.

Old Fashioned

The ultimate Old Fashioned is a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that has been served since the late 17th century and its popularity hasn’t really wavered since then. It’s crafted using a combination of whisky, bitters and unrefined cane sugar which bring out the best characteristics of the whisky whilst adding wonderful aromatic notes. 

the glenlivet captains reserve old reserve whisky cocktail drink

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve
60 ml
Ginger Liqueur
15 ml
Bar Spoon of Honey
Orange Bitters
3 dashes

METHOD

  1. Stir ingredients together and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
  2. Garnish with an orange twist.

The Old Reserve

If you are seeking a scotch on the rocks with a twist, then you’ll want to try this whisky cocktail. It uses the classic flavours of honey, ginger and orange to highlight the rich yet subtle cognac finish of the scotch whilst giving the drink an overall winter warmer vibe.

the glenlivet 12 year old spiced-speyside coffee whisky drink

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
40 ml
Liquid Chocolate
15 ml
Simple Syrup
10 ml
Americano Coffee/strong Filter Coffee
75 ml
Cayenne Pepper
1 small pinch(es)
Lightly Whipped Double Cream
40 ml

METHOD

  1. Warm a small wine glass with boiling water and then pour it out.
  2. Mix the chocolate, whisky, coffee, syrup and cayenne pepper together in a heated glass.
  3. Gently pour the cream over the back of a spoon to create a creamy layer.
  4. Garnish with chocolate shavings, adding another small pinch of cayenne pepper.

Spiced Spey Coffee

The Irish coffee is a renowned cocktail that combines Irish whisky, coffee, and cream for an indulgent after-party drink. Our whisky coffee cocktail takes inspiration from this classic but uses scotch whisky, dark chocolate, and cayenne pepper to add richness and spice. What’s more, the cream creates a velvety mouthfeel whilst the strong coffee gives a boost in more ways than one.

the glenlivet maple red wine sour whisky cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet 12 Year Old
50 ml
Fresh Lemon Juice
25 ml
Maple Syrup
25 ml
Red Wine, such as Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon
12 ml
Lemon Twist (for Garnish)
1
Ice Cubes

METHOD

  1. Combine The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
  2. Cover and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is frosty and drink is well chilled, about 30 seconds.
  3. Fill a rocks glass with ice and strain the whisky mixture into the glass.
  4. Hold a spoon over the glass and pour the red wine carefully down the back of the spoon to float on the surface.
  5. Garnish with a lemon twist and serve immediately.

Maple Red Wine Sour

A traditional sour uses citrus and sugar to create the distinctive taste that we’ve come to know and love. In this red wine and whisky cocktail, maple syrup is used instead to add caramel, nutty notes. In addition, the inclusion of red wine injects fruit flavours including plum, blackberry and black cherry, all of which are commonplace in autumn dishes, as well as a unique smoky finish.

the glenlivet coco noche whisky cocktail

COCKTAIL RECIPE
FOR
1
SERVE

INGREDIENTS

ml oz
Ingredients Unit
The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve
40 ml
Almond Extract
2 dashes
Coconut Cream
30 ml
Milk
80 ml
Ground Allspice for Garnish

METHOD

  1. Combine ingredients in a mug.
  2. Serve hot or chilled.
  3. Garnish with ground allspice.

Coco Noche

The Coco Noche, a tropical almond cocktail creates something special by combining whisky, almond extract, and coconut cream. Garnished with allspice, it feels festive and has those recognisable winter scents of clove, nutmeg and marzipan. It can be served hot or cold which makes it a great option if you want something that you can take with you through the seasons. It feels decadent and luxurious, making it ideal for impressing party guests or for whipping up when you simply want to treat yourself!

If you like the sound of these fall whisky drinks, you don’t need to wait until the gloves and scarves come out before you can appreciate them! Get your hands on a bottle of The Glenlivet and start mixing up cocktails packed with autumnal aromas now. If you are looking for further inspiration, or other whisky drinks that can be enjoyed all year round, be sure to check out our selection of whisky cocktail recipes including 2-ingredient whisky drinks and our guide to beer and whisky pairing.