Yes you’re reading this correctly … a WHOLE WEEK of exclusive cocktail offers, exhibits and live entertainment to keep the spirits high (as well as flowing) - is coming to The City of Edinburgh.

Every good spirit, with all of its dynamic variations, can be paired with many different flavors, garnishes and even other complementing spirits. This folks, is what we call a cocktail, a menu staple of any modern food & drink establishment. This page acts as a guide to the very best of whisky cocktails and includes; 

• Exclusive information about The Edinburgh Cocktail Week (October 6-15th)
• An overview of the Whisky cocktails at this year’s festival (with our recommendations)
• Our very own Whisky International cocktail recipes and links to the incredible whiskies featured in them! 

Whisky is a complex spirit with a large diversity of flavours, production methods and aromas, truly a unique experience with each bottle for your senses. From the renowned smoke and peat of Islay Scotch whisky to the sweet and robust notes of Kentucky bourbon, whisky's spectrum is a product of specialist distillation and ageing techniques.

Scotch whisky encompasses a range of profiles, from the balance of sweet and smoky notes in Highland malt whisky to the elegant and fruity notes of Speyside expressions. Irish whiskey, known for its smoothness and triple distillation, offers a canvas of honeyed, fruity, and vanilla profiles. On the American whiskey front, bourbon carries a sweet and smooth taste, with notes of caramel and vanilla while rye whiskey showcases a spicier, drier character with hints of cinnamon and pepper.

Japanese whisky, acclaimed for its craftsmanship, adds delicate fruitiness and the depth and distinctive character of Japanese oak. The journey through whisky is through a world of flavours, with each bottle telling a unique story.

Edinburgh Cocktail Week is an annual event that celebrates the art of mixology in the vibrant Scottish capital. For an entire week, Edinburgh’s festival square is transformed into a ‘cocktail village’ including pop-up bars from top alcohol producers and vendors, live music and DJ’s and street food.

Additionally, the festival partners with bars across the city to add exclusive cocktails to their menu in the name of the event. Participants can purchase wristbands, which grant access to exclusive cocktail deals and discounts and entry to the ‘cocktail village’.

This event not only offers a chance to enjoy a wide variety of cocktails but also serves as a platform to showcase the city's thriving cocktail culture, with a focus on creativity, innovation, high-quality alcohol and ingredients. Edinburgh Cocktail Week provides a unique nightlife experience for locals and tourists to enjoy.

This captivating range of whisky cocktails showcases the versatility of this beloved spirit and any one of these crafted drinks is guaranteed to make your night.

From the warm and comforting notes of Glengoyne 10-year-old whisky in the ‘Amaretto Toffee Apple’ to the intriguing blend of Macallan 12-year-old and Laphroaig 10-year-old whiskies in ‘The Long Night’, whisky's adaptability shines through. ‘Khambatta's Sour’ pairs the robust essence of bourbon with the vibrant Aperol, while ‘It's Crackin' combines the smooth Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky with Chambord, raspberry, honey, and oat milk for a velvety delight.

‘Caribbean Boulevard’ ventures into exotic territory with Dewar's Caribbean Smooth whisky, skillfully complemented by Martini Rubino and Campari. ‘The 39th Step’ entices with the bold Smokehead High Voltage whisky, balanced by Aperol and Martini Rosso. Finally, the ‘Candy Shandy Sea Shanty’ elevates Old Pulteney.

Huddart whisky with Stroma Whisky Liqueur and seaweed gomme, crowned by the refreshing tones of Fentiman's Rose Lemonade. These cocktails show whisky's ability to harmonize with a diverse array of flavors, offering unique and enjoyable taste experiences for whisky enthusiasts and everyday punters alike. 

This cocktail really gives you value for money with TWO fantastic whiskies blended into one glass!

We have both of these very affordable and classic bottles in stock!

We were inspired and we got creative! We have created some quick and easy recipes for you to try at home which are our own travel-themed take on classic whisky-based cocktails, the whisky sour and the old fashioned.

These cocktails include measures of some of our favourite premium whiskies, elevating the flavor of these cocktails to pack a real punch. All spirits used in the recipes will be linked at the end of this article if you’d like to order a bottle.

(our take on the Whisky Sour)

Ingredients:

• 50ml bourbon
• 25ml lemon juice
• 1/2 egg white
• 15ml simple syrup
• 2 dashes bitters
• lemon spiral
• orange slice garnish (optional)

(our bash at an Old Fashioned)

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1-2 dash bitters
• splash of water
• 60ml Scotch whisky
• orange slice/twist

Do you have a fantastic whisky concoction up your sleeve? Whether it's inspired by our article or one of your own creations, we'd love to see it! Share your whisky masterpieces with us, and you might even get the chance to be featured on our social media channels.

Keep an eye on our social media accounts, your email inbox, and this page for exciting updates, captivating images, and exclusive offerings from the event. These updates are specially crafted for our cherished international customers and those unable to join us in person. Stay tuned for a taste of the event's magic, no matter where you are!"