Top 5 Whiskies for Summer Sipping
Yes, whisky. Even when the sun’s out.
After a spring that actually remembered how to be sunny, the good times keep coming in the UK. In this heat, you need something to drink and let us tell you: whisky is a summer drink.
Whisky’s not just for dark corners and roaring fires – it thrives in the sunshine too. Sure, it’s great neat in winter, but summer’s the perfect excuse to mix it up (sometimes literally).
Whether you’re looking to sip, shake, or splash a little soda, here are five whiskies made for warm days, garden gatherings, and sunsets that go on forever.
Top 5 Whiskies for Summer Sipping
The delicious Hearach Single Malt from the Isle of Harris Distillery
Scotch for Sipping: Isle of Harris – The Hearach
Picture this: you, a deckchair, and a Hebridean breeze that’s warm for once. The Hearach is a bright, lively single malt from the Isle of Harris – light orchard fruits and creamy vanilla meet peppery spice and a flicker of smoke. There’s still enough depth to keep you coming back, but its clean, coastal profile makes it ideal for slow sipping on long, light evenings.
Whisky on the rocks is simple but delicious
On the Rocks: Green River Full Proof Bourbon Whiskey
This bold beauty from Kentucky clocks in at 58.7% ABV – robust enough to take a few ice cubes without losing its charm. Expect a full-bodied blast of caramel, toffee, oak, and spice. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and as that ice slowly melts, it unlocks layer after layer. A proper summer sipper for bourbon fans who don’t do half measures.
Beautiful Fruit by name…
With Ginger Ale: Beautiful Fruit 8 Year Old Whiskey
Jameson and ginger is a classic combo, but this light, fruit-forward Irish whiskey adds a fresh twist. Packed with estery goodness – think peach, apricot, lemon zest, and a whiff of tropical tang – it dances with ginger ale. Easygoing yet distinctive, it’s one of those “wait, what is this?” mixers that turns a simple drink into something special.
Toki is made to mix
Highball Hero: Toki Blended Japanese Whisky + Soda
The Japanese nailed summer drinking decades ago with the humble highball. Toki’s delicate blend of silky vanilla, gentle spice, and green apple works wonders with soda water and a twist of citrus. It’s crisp, clean, and criminally refreshing – an absolute no-brainer when it’s too hot to think straight.
Try this and be amazed
The Unexpected Cocktail: The Laphroaig Paloma
Introducing the Laphroaig Paloma – where smoke meets citrus and salt in a cocktail you’ll keep coming back to. It’s a fresh way to introduce yourself (or reintroduce) to Laphroaig 10 Year Old. The smoky, briny malt balances beautifully with grapefruit juice, lime, and soda, all served over ice with a salty rim and a hint of green chilli. Peat, salt, and fire – in flip-flops.
To make a Laphroaig Paloma:
Rub the rim of a tumbler with lime, dip in smoked salt
In a shaker:
– 50ml Laphroaig 10 Year Old
– 50ml fresh pink or red grapefruit juice
– 15ml lime juice
– 10ml simple syrup
– Cubed ice
Shake vigorously, strain into the prepared glass over ice
Top with 50ml soda water
Garnish with lime and a slice of green chilli
Short on ingredients?
Just rim the glass with lime and smoked salt, pour in 50ml Laphroaig 10 Year Old, top with premium grapefruit soda, and garnish. Job done.
The Last Drop: Top 5 Whiskies for Summer Sipping
Whisky in summer? Absolutely. From bright and breezy Scotch to bold bourbon on the rocks, fruity Irish whiskey mixers to Japanese whisky highballs and peated cocktails – there’s a dram (or five) for every sun-drenched occasion.
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