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International Whisky Day calls for simple, flavourful pours. From rich and bold to fresh and tropical, these easy whisky cocktails bring balance, ease and celebration to every sip
These simple whisky cocktails offer rich, fruity, and refreshing flavours; perfect for easy pours and relaxed moments
Celebrating International Whisky Day does not require a bar full of ingredients, just a few well-crafted serves that highlight whisky’s versatility. Whether it is the bold, layered profile of the Ruby Sin or the smooth, tropical escape of the Monkey Colada, each drink brings its own character to the table. The Basil Smash offers a crisp, modern edge, while the Monkey Jam Sour and Crew Driver deliver vibrant, citrus-forward flavours. These easy-to-make drinks prove that great drinks do not need fuss, just good ingredients, a relaxed setting and the joy of sharing a drink.
Ruby Sin by Master Distiller, Mr Michael Dsouza
Both warming and complex, the Ruby Sin offers a range of ingredients that make this perfectly balanced drink one to add to your repertoire.
Ingredients
- 40 ml Paul John Port Cask
- 30 ml ounce sweet vermouth
- 9-10 ml Benedictine liqueur
- 5 dashes of chocolate bitters
- 10 coffee beans
- Orange peel strip
Method
- Combine Paul John Port Cask, Vermouth, Benedictine liqueur, bitters, and coffee beans in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds.
- Strain over a large ice cube into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel strip.
Monkey Colada
With creamy coconut, juicy pineapple and the smooth character of Monkey Shoulder, this cocktail is a refreshing escape in every sip, perfect for relaxed celebrations and easy summer-style whisky moments.
Ingredients
- 40ml Monkey Shoulder Original
- 20ml Coconut cream
- 60ml Pineapple juice
- 10ml Fresh lime juice
- Dash of sugar syrup
- Pineapple leaf and chunk (for garnish)
Method
- Add Monkey Shoulder, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice into a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a dash of sugar syrup to taste and blend briefly again.
- Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a pineapple leaf and chunk. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Grant’s Basil Smash
Fresh, crisp and effortlessly vibrant, the Basil Smash brings a refreshing twist to International Whisky Day. It is a clean, modern whisky cocktail that is perfect for relaxed celebrations and mindful sipping.
Ingredients
- 60ml Grant’s TripleWood Whisky
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 25ml cucumber syrup
- 20ml fresh lime juice
Method
- Add Grant’s TripleWood, basil leaves, cucumber syrup, and lime juice into a shaker. Muddle gently to release the basil aroma.
- Shake well over ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf.
Monkey Jam Sour
Zingy, sweet and citrus-forward, the Monkey Jam Sour is a playful twist on the classic whisky sour. Balanced with citrus and finished with a silky foam, it is a vibrant drink that brings a fun, modern take to whisky.
Ingredients
- 50ml Monkey Shoulder Original
- 20ml Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Strawberry jam
- Dash of orange bitters
- 1 egg white or 2 tbsp aquafaba (optional)
Method
- Add Monkey Shoulder, fresh lemon juice, strawberry jam, orange bitters, and egg white (or aquafaba) into a shaker.
- Add fresh ice and shake vigorously until well chilled and frothy. Strain into a short glass filled with ice. Serve and enjoy!
Grant’s Crew Driver
Vibrant and refreshingly bold, the Grant’s Crew Driver brings together bright citrus notes with the smooth character of Grant’s Triple Wood. With hints of cranberry and grapefruit, this cocktail is perfect for relaxed celebrations and modern whisky sipping.
Ingredients
- 60 ml Grant’s Triple Wood
- 30 ml Cranberry Juice
- 20 ml Pink Grapefruit Syrup
- 20 ml Lime
- Charred Grapefruit Wedge (for garnish)
Method
- Add whisky, cranberry juice, pink grapefruit syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Shake over ice, pour over ice in an Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with a charred grapefruit wedge and serve.
March 27, 2026, 08:00 IST
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