Highland Spirit Swap
Curiada Ingredients
Other Ingredients
- 0.50 fl oz AquaRiva Organic Agave Syrup
Directions
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Add malt to mixing glass with ice and stir
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Strain and discard excess malt leaving ice and glass coated
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Add remaining ingredients to coated ice
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Stir well
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Strain into ice-filled rocks glass
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Garnish with orange zest twist
Cocktail Description
This bold, genre-bending cocktail throws Islay Scotch and tequila into the same glass—and somehow makes them play nice.
The Highland Spirit Swap brings together smoky, peaty Ardbeg with the crisp agave bite of Patron Silver, creating a drink that's equal parts Old Fashioned sophistication and adventurous spirit. Tempus Fugit Gran Classico adds a bittersweet herbal backbone, while agave syrup and aromatic bitters round out the edges without dulling the drink's aggressive charm. The unusual technique of coating your mixing glass with Scotch—then discarding the excess—infuses every sip with a subtle smokiness that doesn't overpower the tequila's brightness. This is a cocktail for a cozy evening when you're in the mood to shake things up, best enjoyed slowly while debating whether whisky or tequila truly deserves the spotlight. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, aged cheeses, or anything with a touch of char and fat to complement the drink's smoky, slightly sweet profile. The execution requires some finesse and good stirring technique, but anyone comfortable making classic stirred cocktails can nail this one with a little attention to detail.
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