Mizuwari

Highballs & Collinses August 12, 2026

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A photo of the Mizuwari cocktail containing Compass Box Great King Street Artist's Blend Scotch, Chilled water in a Collins.

Other Ingredients

  • fill glass Chilled water

Directions

  • Fill Collins glass with ice and stir until water forms in base of glass
  • Add more ice and continue stirring to cool glass
  • Strain water from glass
  • Pour whisky into glass and top ice to brim
  • Stir whisky and ice, adding more ice to keep level at brim
  • Add water and briefly stir
  • Express lemon zest twist over drink and discard
  • Garnish with fresh mint sprig

Cocktail Description

This stripped-down Scotch and water gets a serious upgrade when you understand that half the magic happens before you even pour the whisky.

The Mizuwari is a minimalist's dream—just quality blended Scotch and cold water served tall over ice—but the technique separates this from a lazy pour at the end of a long day. You're essentially pre-chilling your glass with melting ice, then building the drink with super-cold whisky and topping it with fresh water to open up those malty, fruity notes from the Compass Box blend. The lemon oils get expressed and tossed, leaving behind just a whisper of citrus, while the mint sprig adds an herbal aroma that plays beautifully with the Scotch's character. It's refreshing enough for warm afternoons on the porch but sophisticated enough for a quiet evening with friends, and it pairs wonderfully with smoked salmon, sharp cheddar, or anything off the grill. The hardest part is having the patience to properly chill everything—rushing turns this into just another whisky-water, but taking your time creates something that drinks like a cocktail while tasting purely of great Scotch.

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