Tartan Cocktail Recipe

The Tartan cocktail is a nod to Scotland's rich whisky heritage, combining the robust flavors of Highland Scotch with the sweetness of aromatized wine and herbal liqueurs. It's a drink that might be appreciated by those who enjoy a classic Rob Roy or a Manhattan but are looking for something with a bit more complexity and a herbal touch.

• The name 'Tartan' itself is a direct reference to the traditional Scottish fabric, representing the blend of different flavors much like the interweaving of various colored threads.
• This cocktail has been enjoyed by whisky enthusiasts who appreciate a drink that's both bold and balanced.
• The use of Drambuie, a whisky-based liqueur, adds a layer of honeyed sweetness that complements the smoky notes of the Scotch.

The Tartan cocktail offers a rich tapestry of flavors. It's a strong and warming drink, with the smoky peat of the Scotch and the herbal bitterness of the Ramazzotti creating a complex base. The sweetness of the Drambuie and the Cocchi Vermouth di Torino balance the bitterness, while the Angostura bitters add a spicy depth. The orange twist garnish provides a bright, citrus aroma that rounds out the experience.

• The Edradour 10 year old Scotch used in the Tartan is one of the last single malt whiskies to be produced in a farm distillery.
• Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, an ingredient in this cocktail, has been produced in the same recipe since 1891.
• Drambuie, a key component of the Tartan, is made from a secret recipe that is said to date back to 1745.

1. In a mixing glass, combine 1 1/2 oz Highland Scotch, 3/4 oz Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, 1/4 oz Drambuie, 1/4 oz Ramazzotti, and 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters.
2. Add ice and stir the mixture for 15-30 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain the cocktail into a stemmed cocktail glass.
4. Express the oils of an orange peel over the drink and garnish with the twist.

• For the best flavor, use freshly opened vermouth and store it in the refrigerator after opening to maintain its taste.
• When expressing the orange peel, make sure to do it over the glass to capture the essential oils in the drink.
• A slow and careful stir is key to achieving the perfect dilution and temperature for the Tartan.

Cheese Pairings

• Aged Cheddar: The nuttiness complements the herbal and whisky notes.
• Blue Cheese: Its strong flavor pairs well with the sweetness of Drambuie.

Food Pairings

• Grilled Lamb: The smoky flavor works well with the bold flavors of the Scotch.
• Dark Chocolate Desserts: The bitterness of dark chocolate and the Vermouth sweetness is a match in heaven.

Drink Pairings

• Espresso: The bitterness of the coffee can be a nice contrast to the sweetness and complexity of the cocktail.

• If Edradour 10 year is unavailable, any good quality Highland Scotch can be used as a substitute.
• In place of Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, another sweet vermouth like Carpano Antica Formula can be used.
• If Ramazzotti is not on hand, another amaro with a similar bitter profile, such as Averna, could be used.

Smoky Tartan

• Add a little Laphroaig: A splash of this intensely smoky Islay Scotch can turn up the peatiness for smoke lovers, invoking images of misty Scottish moors.
• Replace Cocchi with a dry vermouth: This will create a drier and more botanical-forward profile, like stepping from the sweet highlands into a herb garden.
• Use a lemon peel instead of orange: This citrus swap will add a sharper, brighter aroma, providing a counterpoint to the sweet and smoky notes.

Spiced Apple Tartan

• Swap Drambuie for a Spiced Apple Liqueur: This evokes the feeling of a Scottish autumn, bringing orchard freshness and spiciness to the mix.
• Top with a splash of apple cider: For a festive twist, the effervescence and tartness of cider can add a new dimension like bagpipes bellowing at a harvest festival.
• Add a cinnamon stick garnish: Aromatic and warming, it's much like a cozy wool scarf on a brisk Highland morning.

Highland Herbal

• Replace Ramazzotti with Green Chartreuse: This substitution infuses the cocktail with a more intense herbal kick, as if you've stumbled upon a secret Highland herbarium.
• Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary: Fresh herbs provide an aromatic earthiness that's grounding like the heather on Scottish hillsides.
• Stir in a bar spoon of honey syrup: To ensure the drink doesn't become too bitter with the herbal additions, the honey acts like the sweet melody of Scottish folklore.