Planning a dinner party? You’ve likely considered the menu by now and which drinks to pour during your meal. But what happens after dessert? When the final course is served and the conversation lingers, an after dinner cocktail is an excellent accompaniment. It’s a time to savour the final moments of a meal and marvel at the host’s exceptional efforts.

A digestive, or digestif, is an alcoholic post-dinner drink that is served after a meal. It’s not only a delicious end to an evening but can also aid digestion – what better excuse to open the drinks cabinet. Many digestifs feature wine, herbal liqueurs or bitter flavours. But whisky is also a hit thanks to its smooth, rich tasting notes, think classic Old Fashioneds and Manhattans.

From sweet cocktails to luxurious, smooth serves, we’ve delved into the best after dinner cocktails inspired by The Glenlivet’s signature expressions. Read on to discover how to elevate your dinner party experience with the finest digestifs and post-dinner cocktails.

An Old Fashioned is a timeless after dinner cocktail and a popular night cap for many. The original recipe calls for whisky, sugar and aromatic bitters, a simple mix that elevates the spirit’s smooth, sweet notes. But feel free to add your own twist that fits the theme of your dinner with one of our top Old Fashioned variations…

Elderflower and Peach Old Fashioned

Try our Elderflower and Peach Old Fashioned out this Spring. It’s light, fruity flavour makes it a perfect digestif for alfresco dinners and garden parties that last until sunset.

Chocolate Orange Old Fashioned

Serve our Chocolate Orange Old Fashioned with an accompanying dessert. The extra sweetness from the chocolate bitters makes this slightly richer and sweeter than the original.

Discover our favourite Old Fashioned food pairings to add extra flavour to your meal.

Sometimes the simplest pleasures bring the greatest satisfaction. Particularly after a luxurious meal. The Glenlivet 12 Year Old, poured over large ice cubes, delivers an exceptional night cap to end the evening on. Savour the smoothness with each sip of your Whisky on the Rocks. The perfect digestif for any meal as well as a whisky pairing dinner.

Save dessert for cocktail hour with this sweet and creamy Milk Punch cocktail. The Glenlivet 12 Year Old delivers a balance of vanilla, toffee apples, apricot and pineapple, which, when combined with your choice of milk, creates an indulgent feeling drink with a lingering richness. 

This Valley of the Bees cocktail pays homage to the Scottish Highlands with a beautiful balance of The Glenlivet 15 Year Old, heather and honey. It’s sweet and delicately spiced with floral notes, but light and refreshing, making it perfect for sipping after the final course.

A classic cocktail for a classic evening of dinner and great conversation. The Maple Red Wine Float is a showstopper of a drink, offering a delightful balance of tartness and richness. The traditional whisky sour trio of scotch, lemon and simple syrup is topped with a light red wine float for an unconventional yet delicious combination.

Swap your Espresso Martini for something a little spicier with our take on a whisky coffee cocktail. It’s a creamy, rich cocktail made with complex flavours of sweet toffee, citrus fruit and ripe pears combined with the bitterness of coffee and a touch of spice from freshly grated nutmeg. 

The Weathered Axe is a light, citrus whisky recipe that works wonderfully after dinner with friends. With zesty orange notes and a touch of ginger spice, this drink goes down a treat after any meal.

End your night on a sweet note with the Maple Whisky Sour. This sugary twist on a traditional sour cocktail adds a dash of rich maple syrup that balances the zest of fresh lemon. It’s a satisfyingly sweet finale for any dinner party.

Discover more ways to enjoy The Glenlivet with our collection of whisky cocktail recipes including our top celebratory drinks. You can also find more inspiration for your events and gatherings from the best whiskies for a dinner party to a how to host a whisky pairing dinner.