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Highland Fling Cocktail cocktail
Alcoholic Ordinary Drink Cocktail glass Medium

Highland Fling Cocktail

The Highland Fling Cocktail is a sophisticated blend of Scotch and sweet vermouth, enhanced with a touch of orange bitters. This drink offers a smooth, rich flavor profile that is both warming and refreshing, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.

4 Ingredients
5 min Prep Time
Cocktail glass Glass
Chilled Best Served
strong sweet bitter

Ingredients

  • Scotch spirit 45 ml (1 1/2 oz)
  • Sweet Vermouth liqueur 22.5 ml (3/4 oz)
  • Orange bitters bitter 2 dashes
  • Olive garnish 1 Olive

How to Make a Highland Fling Cocktail

Stir all ingredients (except olive) with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Add the olive and serve.

Bartender Tip

💡

Use high-quality Scotch for the best flavor.

About the Highland Fling Cocktail

The Highland Fling Cocktail is a ordinary drink that belongs to the alcoholic family of cocktails. It is traditionally prepared with Scotch, Sweet Vermouth, Orange bitters and served in a Cocktail glass.

Best enjoyed at parties, with dinner, during celebrations.

As with all alcoholic beverages, please enjoy this cocktail responsibly.

Did You Know?

The Highland Fling Cocktail is named after a traditional Scottish dance, reflecting the drink's Scottish heritage and lively character.

Highland Fling Cocktail Variations

Highland Fling with a Twist This variation adds a splash of ginger ale for a fizzy finish, making it a refreshing alternative. Swap: Add 1 oz of ginger ale
Smoky Highland Fling Using a peaty Islay Scotch gives this cocktail a smoky flavor, enhancing the drink's depth. Swap: Use 1 1/2 oz of Islay Scotch instead of blended Scotch

Pairs Well With

Charcuterie board Grilled salmon Dark chocolate truffles

Quick Facts

~180
Calories
Medium
Strength
5 min
Prep Time

Common Mistake

A common mistake is over-stirring the cocktail, which can dilute the flavors; aim for a gentle stir to maintain the drink's integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Scotch is best for a Highland Fling Cocktail?

For a Highland Fling Cocktail, a blended Scotch is often recommended for its smoothness, but you can also use a single malt for a more robust flavor. Look for a Scotch that has a balance of sweetness and smokiness to complement the sweet vermouth.

Can I substitute sweet vermouth with another type of vermouth?

While sweet vermouth is the classic choice for a Highland Fling, you can experiment with dry vermouth for a lighter version. However, this will significantly alter the drink's flavor profile, making it less sweet and more herbaceous.

Is it necessary to use orange bitters in this cocktail?

Orange bitters add a unique citrusy depth to the Highland Fling, enhancing the overall flavor. While you can omit them if you prefer, the cocktail may taste less complex without this ingredient.

What is the significance of the olive garnish in the Highland Fling Cocktail?

The olive garnish in the Highland Fling Cocktail not only adds a touch of elegance but also provides a subtle briny contrast to the sweetness of the vermouth and the richness of the Scotch, enhancing the drink's overall experience.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Highland Fling Cocktail?

Creating a non-alcoholic version of the Highland Fling can be challenging due to the unique flavors of Scotch. However, you can use a combination of non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives and a sweet non-alcoholic vermouth to mimic the original taste.

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