The holidays are here, and it’s time to level up your cocktail game. While hot cocoa and mulled wine are great, we’re here to mix things up with some seriously delicious winter warmers starring Deanston whiskies. From classic Deanston Virgin Oak to the experimental 15 Year Old Tequila Cask Finish and the smooth 12 Year Old, these cocktails will bring some serious festive flair to your gatherings. Whether you need a cosy drink to beat the winter chill or want to impress your guests with a fancy twist, we’ve got the perfect cocktails for you to take your holiday season from ‘meh’ to merry.
1. FESTIVE OLD FASHIONED
THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT (LITERALLY) IN A GLASS
The Festive Old Fashioned is here to bring some serious holiday cheer, no ugly sweater required. It’s the cocktail equivalent of decking the halls—but way more fun than wrestling with a tangled string of lights. Think of it as your seasonal sidekick, ready to add a little extra sparkle to all your holiday antics, whether you’re braving the annual family gathering or hosting a Friendsmas. It’s the perfect choice when you’re feeling festive but don’t want to go full-on eggnog (because let’s be honest, who really wants to drink that stuff all night?). So, skip tradition and go for something with a little more attitude.
Why It Works: Deanston Virgin Oak's smooth, toasty character comes alive with seasonal spices. The cranberry syrup adds that seasonal touch, giving the whisky’s sweet and spicy notes a whole new depth making this drink as comforting as a Christmas movie marathon.
Get the Festive Old Fashioned recipe.
2. HOT HONEY MARGARITA
FOR THE ONES WHO LIKE IT SPICY
Who says margaritas are just for summer and sunny beaches? The Hot Honey Margarita uses Deanston’s 15 Year Old Tequila Cask Finish and a dash of chilli that brings the kind of heat that’ll light up even the chilliest of nights. It’s the perfect drink for those who love breaking the rules. While everyone is sipping on mulled win or hot chocolate, you’ll be raising a glass of bold flavours; a statement at your next holiday gathering. The Hot Honey Margarita isn’t about tradition; it’s about making your own rules this season. Because sometimes, you just need a margarita—snow on the ground or not.
Why It Works: The caramelised agave depth from the Tequila Cask Finish adds a bold edge, while the honey and chili create a sweet-heat combo that’s ideal for winter. It’s a margarita but make it festive.
Get the Hot Honey Margarita recipe.
3. CHOCOLATE OAK OLD FASHIONED
INDULGE IN YOUR SWEET SIDE
For those with a sweet tooth (or just a penchant for rich, indulgent cocktails), the Chocolate Oak Old Fashioned is the ultimate winter treat. This twist on the classic Old Fashioned takes the smooth vanilla and toasty oak notes of Deanston Virgin Oak and pairs them with cocoa bitters, creating a drink that’s essentially dessert in a glass. It’s like sipping a chocolate truffle with a hint of whisky warmth—perfect for those cozy nights when you want to feel a little extra indulgent.
Why It Works: The cocoa bitters add a luxurious richness, while the salted demerara syrup brings a savoury hint that complements the natural sweetness of Deanston Virgin Oak. It’s the perfect drink to end a festive meal—or to treat yourself for making it through another holiday gathering with the in-laws. Curl up by the fire, sip slowly, and let the Chocolate Oak Old Fashioned satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Get the Chocolate Oak Old Fashioned recipe.
4. WHISKY SOUR
FOR WHEN THE HOLIDAYS GET A LITTLE TOO SWEET
There’s no wrong time for a Whisky Sour, but when it’s cold outside, this cocktail really hits the spot – especially when it’s made with Deanston Virgin Oak. When the holiday season starts drowning in sugar and spice, the Whisky Sour is here to cut through the sweetness and bring some balance back to your life. It's the cocktail equivalent of a reality check—perfect for those moments when you’ve had one too many “festive” treats or endured one too many cheesy holiday movies.
Why It Works: The tartness of the lemon juice pairs beautifully with Deanston’s creamy vanilla and spice notes, creating a perfect balance that’s both refreshing and warming. So if you’re craving a little break from the syrupy sweetness of the season, grab a Whisky Sour, find a quiet corner, and let everyone else go deck the halls.
Get the Whisky Sour recipe.
5. HIGHLAND HEAT OLD FASHIONED
FOR WHEN YOU'D RATHER MELT THAN CHILL
Who needs a roaring fire when you've got a cocktail that kicks harder than a Highland wind? The Highland Heat Old Fashioned takes Virgin Oak, adds a swirl of hot honey syrup, and finishes with chilli bitters that'll make your taste buds sweat. Add a charred orange peel for extra flair - it's like warming your hands over an open fire, but way more delicious.
Why it Works: Virgin Oak's smooth sweetness plays nice with the honey... until the chilli hits, and suddenly it's a party. It's like a cosy blanket with a wild streak - perfect for those who like their winter warmers to bit back just a little.
Get the Highland Heat Old Fashioned recipe.
6. THE NUTTY OLD FASHIONED
COMFORT IN A GLASS
The Nutty Old Fashioned is the perfect companion for the holiday season—because let’s be real, who doesn’t go a little nuts this time of year? Whether you’re navigating family drama, surviving the annual office party, or just trying to stay sane while untangling a mess of holiday lights, this cocktail is here to keep things smooth. It’s got just the right amount of festive flair to make you feel like you’ve got this whole holiday thing under control (even if your gift wrapping says otherwise).
Why It Works: The nutty sweetness from the almond syrup does a tango with the vanilla and oak flavours from Deanston, while the chocolate bitters make it all taste like festive magic. Perfect for when you need an Old Fashioned that feels brand new.
Get the Nutty Old Fashioned recipe.
7. CLASSIC HOT TODDY
THE TRADITIONAL WINTER WARMER
Forget the spiked eggnog; the Hot Toddy is where it’s at for a proper winter warmer. When the nights are cold and long, there’s nothing quite like a Hot Toddy to heat things up. Deanston Virgin Oak steps in to turn this classic into a drink that’s as cosy as your favourite blanket, but with way more flavour. Perfect for those cold nights when you need something warm and boozy to keep you company.
Why It Works: Deanston’s toasty, oaky character shines through, while the honey and lemon add a sweet and soothing finish. This one’s for those nights when you need to relax, recharge, and pretend you don’t have to wrap any more presents.
Get the Hot Toddy recipe.
8. SMOKED OLD FASHIONED
TO KEEP YOU TOASTY DURING SWEATER WEATHER
Winter cocktails can be a bit... predictable. Enter the Smoked Old Fashioned: the rebellious, smoky antidote to the usual line-up. Featuring Virgin Oak, this bold concoction blends rich whisky sweetness with smoked Demerara syrup and black walnut bitters. The pièce de résistance? A torched cinnamon stick that brings fire and flair to every sip.
Why It Works: Virgin Oak’s smooth, sweet character balances the smoky richness of the syrup and bitters, creating a cocktail that’s warming, spicy, and unapologetically bold. Perfect for those winter nights when you need to combat that sweater weather.
Get the Smoked Old Fashioned recipe.
9. COLD BREW MARTINI
FOR WHEN YOU NEED A LITTLE EXTRA 'HOLIDAY SPIRIT'
Coffee and whisky—two of life’s greatest pleasures come together in this wintery twist on a classic espresso martini. The Cold Brew Martini is your best friend for those late-night festivities when you need a little pick-me-up. The holiday hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s part pick-me-up, part party-starter, and all round delicious. Whether you’re rallying for round two or just trying to power through the end of another year, the Cold Brew Martini has got your back—and your buzz.
Why It Works: Deanston 12 Year Old’s smooth, creamy character and rich flavour mixes beautifully with the boldness of cold brew coffee, making this a cocktail that’s both energising and indulgent. Perfect for those long festive nights.
Get the Cold Brew Martini recipe.
10. NEW YEAR, NEW FASHIONED
START THE YEAR WITH A TWIST
Out with the old, in with the… well, still Old Fashioned, but with a twist. The New Year, New Fashioned is here to help you kick off 2024 in style—without any of those pesky resolutions getting in the way. This cocktail is all about celebrating what really matters: good company, good whisky, and the fact that you’ve survived the holiday chaos. Forget “new year, new me.” How about “new year, same me—but with a better drink in hand”? This isn’t the time for setting unrealistic goals or pretending you’re going to eat more kale. It’s time to embrace the new year with a cocktail that doesn’t ask you to change a thing.
Why It Works: The demerara syrup and orange zest bring out the best in Deanston Virgin Oak, complementing the whisky’s creamy, rich character. It’s basically New Year’s in a glass and smooth enough to sip well into January.
Get the New Year, New Fashioned recipe.
MAKE THIS FESTIVE SEASON UNFORGETTABLE WITH DEANSTON HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT
Whether you’re cosying up with a Hot Toddy or spicing things up with a Hot Honey Margarita, Deanston whiskies are your go-to for winter cocktails that bring warmth and flavour. With a range of expressions from the versatile Virgin Oak to the unique 15 Year Old Tequila Cask Finish and the ever-smooth 12 Year Old, there’s a perfect dram for every drink. So, grab your shaker, stirrer, and spirits—it's time to mix up some holiday magic.
Cheers to a season full of great drinks, warm moments, and making every sip count!
