Golden Highland Sour
A sophisticated blend of aged scotch and fresh lemon juice, the Golden Highland Sour is a refreshing yet robust cocktail that showcases the depth of flavor in a well-aged scotch. Perfect for sipping on a warm evening or impressing guests at a gathering, this drink balances the smoky notes of the scotch with the bright acidity of fresh lemons..
Learn how to make the perfect Golden Highland Sour cocktail recipe at home. This robust sour features scotch as the base spirit and is served in a rocks glass. Perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif, this versatile drink is perfect year-round. Get the complete ingredient list, step-by-step mixing instructions, and expert tips.
Golden Highland Sour Ingredients
- 🥃7 Year Scotch(2 oz)
- 🍋Fresh lemons (squeezed)(2)
- 🧊Ice cubes(As needed)
Mixing Instructions for Golden Highland Sour
- 1.Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
- 2.In a shaker, combine the 2 oz of 7 year scotch and the juice of 2 fresh lemons.
- 3.Shake well to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- 4.Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass over the ice.
- 5.Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Why These Ingredients For The Perfect Golden Highland Sour?
7 Year Scotch
The choice of a 7 Year Scotch as the base spirit for the Golden Highland Sour is pivotal, as it provides a rich and complex flavor profile that enhances the cocktail's overall character. Aged for seven years, this Scotch typically exhibits a balance of sweetness and smokiness, with notes of dried fruit, honey, and subtle peat. We recommend brands like Glen Moray or Glenfiddich, which are known for their approachable yet nuanced expressions. These Scotches bring a smooth mouthfeel and a depth that complements the tartness of the fresh lemon juice. If you opt for a younger Scotch, you might lose some of the complexity, while a significantly older Scotch could overpower the drink with its intensity. When measuring, ensure you pour a full 2 oz to maintain the cocktail's integrity and flavor balance.
Fresh Lemons
Fresh lemons are essential in the Golden Highland Sour, providing the necessary acidity to balance the richness of the Scotch. The bright, zesty flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice cuts through the spirit's warmth, creating a refreshing contrast that invigorates the palate. We recommend using organic lemons for their superior flavor and juiciness. If fresh lemons are unavailable, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but it often lacks the vibrant taste and aroma of freshly squeezed juice. For this cocktail, you'll need the juice of two lemons, which should yield about 3-4 oz of juice, depending on their size. Be sure to strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp for a smoother finish.
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes play a crucial role in the Golden Highland Sour, not only chilling the drink but also slightly diluting it as it melts, which helps to mellow the flavors and integrate the ingredients. For this cocktail, we recommend using larger ice cubes or a single large ice sphere, as they melt more slowly and prevent the drink from becoming overly diluted too quickly. If you use smaller ice cubes, be mindful of the dilution rate, as they will melt faster. The ideal ice should be clear and free of impurities, which can affect the drink's clarity and taste. Fill the rocks glass generously with ice before pouring in the Scotch and lemon juice mixture to ensure a perfectly chilled cocktail.
Alternative Ingredients
- •Bourbon
- •Rye whiskey
- •Lime juice instead of lemon
A Golden Highland Sour is best served with
🍽️ This cocktail pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, charcuterie boards, or a rich cheese platter. The smoky notes of the scotch complement the savory flavors of the food, while the acidity from the lemon cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious balance.
""They say age is just a number, but in the case of scotch, it’s a deliciously intoxicating number!""
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