The best way to kick off any gathering? A well-crafted welcome cocktail. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner, a summer garden party, or a full-scale celebration, the right drink sets the tone from the start. A great welcome cocktail should be easy to sip, elegant, and—most importantly—memorable.

Whisky is an ideal base for welcome drinks, adding depth without being too heavy. From light and zesty highballs to sparkling serves and modern twists on classics, here are some of the best whisky welcome cocktails to serve when greeting your guests.

How to choose a welcome cocktail

A good welcome drink should set the tone for the event without overwhelming guests before food is served.

• Choose lighter, lower-strength drinks for daytime events and summer parties.
• Sparkling cocktails work well for celebrations and weddings.
• Batch cocktails help larger gatherings run smoothly.
• Consider the season when selecting flavours and garnishes.
• Have a non-alcoholic option available alongside your welcome cocktail.

A highball is always a smart move when welcoming guests, and the Golden Highball brings a little extra elegance to the occasion. Combining The Glenlivet 12 Year Old with orange liqueur, honey and soda water, it’s light, refreshing and easy to sip from the very first glass.

Whether you’re hosting a summer garden party, wedding reception or dinner with friends, this bright citrus-forward serve is an effortless crowd-pleaser.

For a summer gathering, your welcome drink should be light, tropical, and effortlessly refreshing. The Coco Lime Smash is just that, combining coconut and whisky for a smooth, slightly sweet serve that instantly transports you to warm, sunny days. Perfect for garden parties, BBQs, or beachside get-togethers.

A highball is always a smart move when welcoming guests—it’s crisp, refreshing, and effortlessly smooth. The Umeshu Highball takes things up a notch by combining smooth whisky with Japanese ume plum liqueur, making it a sophisticated choice for any time of year. Perfect for festive gatherings when you want something lighter than a mulled drink, or as a refined start to a dinner party.

Collins-style cocktails are a go-to for welcome drinks in summer—they’re light, refreshing, and easy to sip. The Elderflower Collins brings floral and citrusy notes into the mix, creating a drink that’s bright and smooth with a slightly spiced whisky twist.

Hosting a brunch or daytime event? The Scottish Spring Matcha brings a fresh, earthy bitterness that pairs beautifully with whisky’s smooth character. It’s light, complex, and a great way to serve something unexpected. Think stylish spring luncheons or weekend gatherings where you want a cocktail that stands out.

To make it, combine 2 parts The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve with 2 parts cream of coconut, 0.25 parts matcha and 0.5 parts lime juice. Shake and strain into a highball, garnishing with matcha dusting and edible flowers.

A welcome drink should fit the mood, and when the temperature drops, a Hot Toddy is exactly what you need. This warming cocktail is a cosy, spiced classic that greets guests from the cold like a warm embrace. Perfect for winter nights or après-ski gatherings. You can also make it cold on warmer winter days.

Bubbles make everything feel a little more special, and the Apple Cinnamon Spritz is no exception. Combining crisp apple flavours with warming spice and smooth whisky, it strikes a balance between refreshing and comforting. It’s an ideal welcome drink for autumn gatherings, festive celebrations or occasions where you want something a little different from the usual sparkling serve.

A welcome drink should feel inviting from the first sip, and the Maple Whisky Sour does exactly that. The combination of smooth whisky, citrus and maple syrup creates a cocktail that’s rich, sweet and perfect for winter months.

Its sweet-tart profile makes it approachable for both whisky enthusiasts and newcomers, making it a great choice for autumn dinner parties and festive entertaining.

Modern, vibrant and surprisingly easy to drink, the Paper Plane is a fantastic welcome cocktail when you want something a little more contemporary. Combining whisky, Aperol, lemon juice and amaro, it delivers a bittersweet balance that immediately gets guests talking.

It’s particularly well suited to cocktail parties, celebrations and stylish evening gatherings where a classic serve with a modern twist feels right at home.

Looking for a drink that feels warm, smooth, and welcoming? The Valley of the Bees blends whisky with honey and citrus, striking the perfect balance between sweet and refreshing. Serve this at intimate gatherings or elegant events where you want to make a lasting first impression.

For a welcome drink that truly feels like a celebration, our Whisky French 75 is the way to go. This sparkling serve is bold, elegant, and effortlessly smooth—ideal for weddings, milestone birthdays, and any moment that calls for raising a glass.

To make, pour 35ml of The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, 15ml lemon juice and 15ml honey water into a chilled flute. Top with 80ml champagne, stir and garnish with a lemon twist.

A well-chosen welcome cocktail sets the scene for the night ahead, whether it’s a relaxed get-together or a grand occasion. And with these whisky-based serves, you can greet your guests with a drink that’s as impressive as the event itself.

Whilst you’re hosting, don’t miss our guide to the best dinner party cocktails to serve mid meal. As well as our guide to hosting a cocktail party and the best cocktails to impress guests all year round.