The Highland Ginger Old Fashioned
Curiada Ingredients
Other Ingredients
- 1.00 fl oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
- 0.25 fl oz Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne)
Directions
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Add ice to shaker
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Pour all ingredients into shaker
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Shake well with ice
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Fine strain into chilled old-fashioned glass
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Express orange zest twist over drink and drop into glass
Cocktail Description
This isn't your grandfather's Old Fashioned—it's been to the Highlands and picked up some serious ginger attitude along the way.
The Highland Ginger Old Fashioned brings together smooth Scotch whisky with fiery ginger liqueur, creating a drink that balances peaty depth with bright, warming spice. Fresh orange juice and sugar cane syrup soften the edges while orange bitters add aromatic complexity, making this a surprisingly approachable twist on the classic. Unlike traditional Old Fashioneds that are stirred, this version gets shaken and fine-strained, resulting in a silky texture with a touch of dilution that opens up the flavors beautifully. The ginger provides enough kick to wake up your palate without overwhelming the Scotch's character, while the citrus keeps everything fresh and lively. This makes an excellent choice for cool evenings when you want something warming but not too heavy, or as a pre-dinner drink that stimulates the appetite. Pair it with rich, fatty foods like smoked salmon, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate to complement the whisky's depth, or serve alongside spicy Asian-inspired dishes where the ginger can play off similar flavors. The technique is straightforward enough for home bartenders, requiring just a cocktail shaker and a good arm—no special skills needed beyond measuring accurately and straining well.
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