Highland Park has released three cocktail recipes designed to showcase their single malt whiskies. The Orkney distillery’s new serves feature their 12, 15, and 18-year-old expressions, demonstrating how premium Island whisky can work effectively in cocktails whilst retaining its distinctive character.We’re big Highland Park fans at The Whiskey Wash, and these recipes offer an interesting departure from traditional serving (read, in a Glencairn). Each cocktail has been designed to complement rather than overwhelm the whisky’s natural flavours, proving that single malt can successfully transition from the glass to the cocktail shaker.What better way to start your weekend than with a properly made Highland Park cocktail?
Highland Park Penicillin
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Highland Park Whisky 12YO or 18YO
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz honey syrup (2:1 honey to water)
- ½ oz ginger syrup
- Garnish: candied ginger
Directions:Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake until well-chilled. Strain into chilled cocktail glass and garnish.
What Will Whisky Look Like in 2027? Voices from Whisky Live Paris
READ THE STORYHighland Park Old Orcadian
The Old Orcadian is Highland Park’s own creation – essentially their sophisticated twist on a spritz. Drawing its name from the Orcadian people of Orkney where the distillery has operated since 1798, this refreshing serve combines Highland Park’s signature heather honey notes with mint and citrus, whilst the sparkling wine adds an elegant effervescence that lifts the whisky’s natural maritime character.Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Highland Park 12YO or 15YO
- 0.75 oz lemon-lime
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 6 or 7 mint leaves
- 2 dashes Angostura
- 2 oz sparkling wine
- Mint tip, for garnish
Directions:Shake everything except sparkling wine, and strain (not fine strain) into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a single ice cube, the sparkling wine, and garnish.
Highland Park Espresso Martini
I must admit I’m not usually a big espresso martini fan – the combination often feels like a caffeine crash waiting to happen. But Highland Park’s whisky-based version might just change my mind, swapping the usual vodka for their characterful 12-year-old single malt.The genius here lies in how Highland Park’s subtle peat smoke complements rather than competes with the coffee. Where vodka provides a neutral canvas, the whisky adds layers of heather honey and gentle maritime influence that actually enhance the espresso’s natural complexity. The result promises to be far more sophisticated than your typical post-dinner cocktail.Ingredients:
Trending Content
- 2 oz Highland Park Whisky 12YO
- ½ oz Galliano Ristretto or other coffee liqueur
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- 1 ½ oz fresh espresso or cold brew coffee
Directions:Shake ingredients with ice and fine-strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.
