Connoisseurs of whisky are familiar with the ritual of sipping a straight pour of this beloved spirit, enjoying its complex subtlety. There is also Scotch Whisky, a class of whisky originating from Scotland and loved for its silky smoothness. Scotch whisky may be considered the fundamental form of the spirit, since very term "whisky" has its etymology in an ancient Scottish Highlands Gaelic phrase, referring to the "water of life." These days, Scotch is distilled and aged much like most other whiskies, which all use a different type of grain as the base. However, malted barley used in Scotch puts it in a different league compared with all kinds of whiskies that fill the world. Although Scotch matures in oak barrels, giving it earthy and vanillary overtones common to all spirits aged in wood casks, it is generally recognized as being smokier than other whiskies. This smokiness results from the fact that, in Scotland, the malted barley base is dried over a peat-fired flame that heavily permeates the finished scotch with that signature flavour.
Considering that Scotch has a special taste, entailing different types of Scotch are more or less peaty, you may want to combine it with something else. We have compiled a list of the most popular options with which to mix scotch.
Water
A glass of water is the universal friend for many types of food and beverages because it opens their field. Scotch whisky is well-recognized for its distinctive, smoky flavour that distinguishes it from other whiskies. This, however, is reversed by the addition of a few drops of water, which unleashes the potent smokiness of the scotch into a pleasing experience. By adding water to Scotch, it's not about the water coming in contact with your taste buds. According to many experts, the addition of water to Scotch makes it repel and rise to the liquid's surface. This brings on the immediate aroma and taste of the Scotch. Without water, alcohol tends to dominate the upper layer of the pour, trapping the flavour compounds beneath it.
Coke
Scotch with Coca-Cola has gained popularity as a common order at many bars over the years. This blend of smoky Scotch and the sweet infusion of cola nut flavour has been warmly embraced by the masses in recent years. However, mixing Scotch wasn't always the norm. Traditionalists have long considered Scotch a spirit to be sipped, unadulterated by mixers. Yet, as younger generations came to Scotch, they began pairing it with the familiar Coca-Cola, much to the surprise of older purists of Scotch.
Orange Juice
Adding new fruit juices, particularly to alcoholic beverages, amplifies their flavour profile. Citrus is sweet on its own, and the orange juice gives a fruity taste to smoky Scotch much like when champagne elevates the drink to make mimosas. You could even introduce some thickness to the drink if you go with fresh orange juice that has pulp in it. Surprisingly, what might be off-putting with texture could actually be good for health. The pulp not only raises the fibre content of orange juice but boosts flavonoids as well. According to health experts, flavonoids are plant compounds that work as antioxidants and contribute to weight control, lower risks of cardiovascular diseases, cognitive function, and regulating blood sugar, among others. So, if you want to add a health element to your drinks, just keep your juicer handy and make some fresh and pulpy citrus juice.
Lemonade
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade and mix it with clear spirits like vodka, tequila, or gin. Where combining citrus juices with Scotch is concerned, it needn't all be about turning Scotch, or indeed any kind of whiskey, into a sour of some sort. While Scotch is certainly less neutral in flavour, it can definitely find itself on that list as well. Lemonade typically balances sweetness with tartness, but the addition of smoky flavours, with the nuances of a wood barrel finish, would only elevate the finished drink into a refreshingly perfect balance.
Bitters
Sour and sweet aren't the only flavours that complement Scotch; bitterness can also balance out the natural flavours of Scotland. In the world of cocktails, something that can add that taste is called "bitters." These are strong extracts from things like tree bark and citrus peels. Just a few drops of these bitters can highly improve the taste of a cocktail. And then there are the actually bitter drinks-like the Italian amaros, many others serving up strong-flavoured spirits. You can drink them alone or mix them with your Scotch. Depending on the bitter drink you use, it can vary in flavour with your Scotch.