Sizzling Cocktail Recipe: Scottish Espresso
6 min read
On a chilly winter’s night time there’s nothing like a sizzling and boozy cocktail that can assist you wind down and heat your bones. A well-liked one for a lot of is the Irish Espresso. It’s one in all my favorites too, however currently I’ve been making an analogous model impressed by their whisky loving neighbors positioned simply throughout the North Channel. Sure, I’m speaking about Scotland, and we’re calling this cocktail a Scottish Espresso.
What’s the Distinction Between Scottish and Irish Espresso?
Scottish and Irish espresso are each sizzling drinks that blend espresso, whiskey, and cream, however they differ within the sort of whiskey, sugar, and cream they use.
Scottish espresso makes use of Scotch whisky, brown sugar, and frivolously whipped heavy cream.
Irish espresso makes use of Irish whiskey, granulated sugar or sugar cubes, and recent cream that may be whipped or unwhipped. Get the well-known, Buena Vista Irish Espresso recipe.
In addition they have completely different origins: Irish espresso was invented by chef Joe Sheridan in Eire in 1942, whereas Scottish espresso was primarily based on the Irish model however used Scotch whisky as a substitute.
How is Scotch Completely different from Irish Whiskey?
This Scottish Espresso recipe makes use of nearly all the identical substances as Irish espresso, besides we shake issues up a bit through the use of Scotch whisky as a substitute of the Irish stuff. Make no mistake although, they’re not the identical and the Scottish take their hottest export and nationwide drink very critically. A Scotch Whisky can solely be labeled as such whether it is produced at a distillery in Scotland below a collection of strict guidelines and laws. It additionally have to be bottled at a minimal of 40% ABV and aged for at least 3 years.
Additionally identified and referred to singularly as Scotch, for this recipe we suggest going with an unpeated model. For those who’re new to the world of Scotch Whisky (you drop the ‘e’ in whisky if you’re in Scotland), unpeated whiskies are loved due to their clear easy taste. Peated whiskies however, are whiskies which can be produced to embody a smokiness in quite a lot of strengths along with their different taste profiles. Whereas this type of whisky first made in style in Scotland is liked by many, this recipe is greatest made with an unpeated Scotch. The label ought to have the ability to information you.
What Scottish Whisky Ought to You Use in Scottish Espresso
Properly balanced with taste notes of toffee, vanilla, and malt, we discovered that Bruichladdich’s Classic Laddie Scotch Whisky ($65) is an ideal selection for this recipe. With a stunning deep golden-caramel colour derived totally from maturing in quite a lot of cask varieties, The Traditional Laddie is made with 100% Scottish barley and triple distilled (no caramel colour added as different distilleries usually do).
Give this one a strive even when you assume you don’t like Scotch. The Classic Laddie is an excellent spirit for anybody who’s simply starting to discover the world of Scotch whisky. You might be stunned at how pretty and drinkable it truly is. And even with out the espresso, sugar, and cream, it’s an exquisite Scotch to sip a wee bit and heat up on a chilly night. And heat up you it’ll.
For those who’d love to offer it a style (and we propose you do), click on the hyperlink here to have it shipped to your door from ReserveBar.
Which Espresso Ought to You Use in Scottish Espresso
For this recipe you need to use any sizzling brewed espresso that you simply get pleasure from. A smooth medium roast coffee is what we suggest for the very best throughout taste. Many espresso lovers all over the world which can be critical about their beans suggest utilizing French Press to make the very best espresso. Not solely is a French Press a handy method to make recent espresso in smaller servings however it’s additionally extremely scrumptious.
To make French Press espresso you place coarse floor espresso (ideally from recent floor beans) steeped in sizzling water in a French Press carafe, after which basically steeped as a substitute of brewed like a conventional espresso maker would do. For the reason that espresso grounds are basically steeped in sizzling water as a substitute of being filtered out, all of the flavors and oils from the beans are left intact and get delivered proper to your cup for probably the most pleasant espresso consuming expertise. For those who don’t have a French Press, however would really like one, they’re fairly cheap and you may normally find them for $25 or less.
What are the Elements for Scottish Espresso?
Scotch Whisky: For this recipe we propose a easy Scotch whisky like Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Distilled on the isle of Islay in Scotland, this artisanal, easy, unpeated scotch whisky with notes of malt and vanilla is the right selection to your Scottish Espresso. You may purchase it here via ReserveBar.
Brown Sugar: For a little bit of sweetness with a heat trace of molasses.
Sizzling Brewed Espresso: We love the outcomes utilizing a French Press with freshly floor beans, however espresso brewed historically could be simply high-quality. A medium or mild roast espresso would work greatest.
Heat Milk: That is non-compulsory, however when you sometimes take cream or milk in your espresso that is the way in which to go. After all you’re at all times welcome to make use of the dairy-free milk of your selection like coconut, cashew, oat or almond.
Recent Whipped Cream: Time for the massive finale! Recent whipped cream not solely appears to be like spectacular, it’s additionally an necessary a part of the expertise. Once more, go for dairy-free whipped cream if that’s your choice.
To serve, slowly spoon the whipped cream into the glass so it floats gently on prime of the espresso. However don’t stir it! Sip the espresso via the whipped cream as is slowly steadily melts into your glass.
Now sit back, calm down and revel in your Scottish Espresso!
GET THE RECIPE!

Scottish Espresso
A Scottish twist on the Irish Espresso, this warming and scrumptious after dinner drink is made with sizzling brewed espresso, Scotch whisky, brown sugar, and topped with recent whipped cream.
DIRECTIONS
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To an 8 ounce glass mug, add 1.5 ounces of the Bruichladdich Traditional Laddie Scotch Whiskey.
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Subsequent, add the brown sugar.
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High with sizzling espresso and provides it a stir.
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OPTIONAL: Add warmed milk if desired.
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High with a dollop of whipped cream.
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Take pleasure in responsibly!
About The Bruichladdich Distillery
Positioned within the Scottish Isles on the small island of Islay (pronounced “EYE-luh”) Bruichladdich, originally established in 1881 is at present a distillery identified for its experimentation with recipes and processes. They at present produce 4 distinctive spirits all bottled on website, providing each unpeated (easy) and peated (smokey) single malt Scotch whiskeys.
You may go to Bruichladdich to be taught extra about their superb course of, folks and keenness for their Scotch whisky.
See our submit Exploring the Most interesting Scotch Whiskeys with Bruichladdich