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Four whisky cocktails that will make your Christmas

Get your cocktail shaker at the ready, because J&B Rare is here to help make this year’s festive fusions your best yet

10 mins read time  |  Written by Kayleigh Giles

Christmas may be looking a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of traditions you can still savour – like taking it easy with your favourite cocktail in hand. And, if you’re looking to add an extra touch of sparkle to the festivities, why not have a go at playing bartender with J&B Rare?

Easy to drink, and even easier to mix, no drinks trolley is complete without this beautifully balanced whisky that’s made from a unique blend of 42 single malt and grain whiskies, each one intrinsic to its subtle, smooth and complex flavour (even if one whisky was taken away, you would taste the difference).

Malt whiskies from Speyside, a Scottish region recognised for its outstanding single malt whisky, are at the heart of J&B Rare. These include some of the finest grain whiskies Scotland has to offer, each one carefully selected to enhance the flavours of the various malts. The result is a light-bodied, fruity whisky with delicate smoky notes that will complement the other ingredients in your cocktails, instead of overpowering them. Cheers to that!

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Ready to channel your inner mixologist with J&B Rare? Here are some tempting cocktail recipes to get you started...

J&B Rare whisky sour

5 mins Easy  Makes 1

Dating back to the 1870s, this simple and sophisticated cocktail mixes J&B Rare, lemon juice and sugar syrup to create a truly timeless tipple

Ingredients
  • 50ml J&B Rare
  • 35ml lemon juice
  • 17.5ml sugar syrup
  • 3 dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 1 egg white (replace with dash of foaming bitters for vegan alternative)
  • 3 maraschino cherries
Method

1.  Shake the J&B Rare, lemon juice, sugar syrup, bitters and egg white hard over ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and serve with the maraschino cherries.

  • 50ml J&B Rare
  • 35ml lemon juice
  • 17.5ml sugar syrup
  • 3 dashes of Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • 1 egg white (replace with dash of foaming bitters for vegan alternative)
  • 3 maraschino cherries

1.  Shake the J&B Rare, lemon juice, sugar syrup, bitters and egg white hard over ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and serve with the maraschino cherries.

J&B Rare hot toddy

Prep 5 mins Easy  Makes 2

As perfect for a warming night cap as it is wintertime entertaining, this delicious mix of J&B Rare and fragrant spices really packs a punch

Ingredients
  • 50ml J&B Rare Whisky
  • 3 tsp honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half
  • 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced
  • 2 cloves
Method

1.  Whisk the whisky and honey together and split between 2 heatproof glasses. Add a cinnamon stick half to each, then top up with 200ml boiling water.

2.  Add a splash of lemon juice to taste, then finish the drinks with a slice of lemon, studded with a clove, and serve immediately.

  • 50ml J&B Rare Whisky
  • 3 tsp honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick, snapped in half
  • 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced
  • 2 cloves

1.  Whisk the whisky and honey together and split between 2 heatproof glasses. Add a cinnamon stick half to each, then top up with 200ml boiling water.

2.  Add a splash of lemon juice to taste, then finish the drinks with a slice of lemon, studded with a clove, and serve immediately.

J&B Rare old fashioned

5 mins Easy  Makes 1

This classic cocktail might traditionally use bourbon, but it’s just as good with J&B Rare and some sweet garnishes

Ingredients
  • 2 tsp sugar syrup or 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1-2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
  • 60ml J&B Rare Whisky
  • soda water (optional)
  • 1 orange slice, to garnish
  • 1 maraschino cherry, to garnish (optional)
Method

1.  Put the sugar and bitters in a small tumbler with a splash of water. If using granulated sugar, mix until it dissolves. Fill a glass with ice and stir in the J&B Rare Whisky. Add a splash of soda water, if you like, and mix in the sugar and bitters. Garnish with the orange and cherry.

  • 2 tsp sugar syrup or 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1-2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
  • 60ml J&B Rare Whisky
  • soda water (optional)
  • 1 orange slice, to garnish
  • 1 maraschino cherry, to garnish (optional)

1.  Put the sugar and bitters in a small tumbler with a splash of water. If using granulated sugar, mix until it dissolves. Fill a glass with ice and stir in the J&B Rare Whisky. Add a splash of soda water, if you like, and mix in the sugar and bitters. Garnish with the orange and cherry.

J&B Rare classic highball

Prep 5 mins Easy  Makes 1

Whether you’re using fresh herbs from the garden or shop-bought, whisky cocktails don’t get much more refreshing than a classic highball

Ingredients
  • 65ml J&B Rare Whisky
  • 90ml soda water
  • 1 lemon, peeled and rind sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced (optional)
  • pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Method

1.  Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the J&B Rare Whisky, soda water and a slice of lemon peel. For a fruitier twist, infuse the soda water with your favourite fruits and herbs, like an apple slice and cinnamon, before adding it to the glass. Finish with a dash of bitters.

  • 65ml J&B Rare Whisky
  • 90ml soda water
  • 1 lemon, peeled and rind sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced (optional)
  • pinch of cinnamon (optional)

1.  Fill a highball glass with ice, then add the J&B Rare Whisky, soda water and a slice of lemon peel. For a fruitier twist, infuse the soda water with your favourite fruits and herbs, like an apple slice and cinnamon, before adding it to the glass. Finish with a dash of bitters.

Pop J&B Rare into your basket or search @jbrarewhisky on Instagram or Facebook for more cocktail recipe inspiration

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