When it comes to enjoying a fine Scotch whisky like Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish, the right cocktail is just the beginning. To truly elevate your sipping experience, pair these inventive drinks with complementary dishes that enhance their unique flavor profiles. Here’s our guide to food recipes that go great with three exquisite Glen Moray cocktails.
The Theobroma
This chocolatey, nutty cocktail is a dessert in a glass, with its layers of Glen Moray, vermouth, chocolate liqueur, and Frangelico topped with a citrus twist. Its rich, luxurious flavour deserves a pairing that matches its indulgence.
Ingredients
• 60ml Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch
• 20ml vermouth
• 15ml chocolate liqueur
• 7ml Frangelico hazelnut liqueur
• 2 dashes of Bitters
• Lemon twist to garnish
Method
1. Combine the Chocolate liqueur and bitters.
2. Stir, then add some ice cubes and pour in the whisky.
3. Add a twist of lemon to finish.
Pairing Recipe: Chocolate-Hazelnut Torte
Why It Works: The torte’s deep chocolate flavours mirror the cocktail’s notes, while the hazelnuts reinforce the Frangelico’s nuttiness. A hint of citrus zest in the torte ties seamlessly with the cocktail’s lemon twist garnish, creating a flavour bridge between the dessert and the drink. The dense, velvety texture of the torte also balances the cocktail’s silky, bittersweet profile.
Alternative: Chocolate-dipped biscotti or hazelnut pralines for a lighter touch. These smaller bites are perfect for casual gatherings and don’t overwhelm the drink’s elegant complexity.
Pro Tip: Serve the torte slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone to elevate its richness. The cream’s subtle tang complements the bitters and Scotch base beautifully.
Marmalade Old Fashion
A sophisticated twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this cocktail balances Glen Moray’s rich malt character with the sweet tang of marmalade and the warmth of bitters. Its bold yet nuanced flavour profile opens the door for equally robust pairings.
Ingredients
• 50mL Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch
• 1 heaped tsp marmalade
• 3 dashes Glen Moray Bitters
• Candied orange slice, to garnish
Method
1. Add the marmalade and whisky to an Old Fashioned glass and stir.
2. Add a couple of ice cubes, stir down, then add bitters, more ice and stir again, until the drink is balanced.
3. Finally, garnish with candied orange.
Pairing Recipe: Duck à l’Orange
Why It Works: The citrus glaze of this French classic perfectly complements the marmalade in the cocktail, while the duck’s savory richness highlights the whisky’s robust malt backbone. The caramelization in the sauce mirrors the cocktail’s bittersweet complexity, creating a harmonious interplay of flavors. The velvety texture of the duck also pairs well with the cocktail’s smooth mouthfeel.
Alternative: A cheese plate featuring aged cheddar and candied orange slices. The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the sweetness of the marmalade, while the candied orange echoes the cocktail’s citrus notes. This pairing is ideal for a more relaxed evening.
Pro Tip: Garnish the duck or cheese plate with a touch of fresh thyme or rosemary. These herbs add an aromatic layer that plays off the bitters in the drink, making the pairing even more dynamic.
Elgin Sunrise Cocktail
Light and effervescent, this Scotch and Prosecco-based cocktail has a refreshing charm. The bitters and sugar balance the citrus garnish, making it a great choice for aperitivo hour or celebratory moments.
Ingredients
• 20mL Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch
• Canetelli Prosecco Extra Dry
• 3 dashes of Bitters
• 1 lump white sugar
• Orange or lemon twist, to garnish
Method
1. Place the sugar lump into a champagne flute and add 3 dashes of bitters.
2. Pour in the whisky and top with the Prosecco.
3. Garnish with a twirl of orange/lemon peel, zested over the top.
Pairing Recipe: Smoked Salmon Crostini
Why It Works: The smoky salmon echoes the subtle maltiness of the Scotch, while the crisp Prosecco cuts through the richness of the fish. The delicate crunch of the crostini provides a satisfying textural contrast to the cocktail’s effervescence. Adding a dollop of lemon-dill cream or creme fraiche ties the pairing together, complementing the citrus twist garnish in the drink.
Alternative: Goat cheese and lemon zest tartlets. The tartness of the goat cheese mirrors the refreshing quality of the Prosecco, and the citrus zest enhances the bitters’ complexity. These bite-sized treats are perfect for cocktail hour.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle a touch of freshly cracked black pepper on the crostini for an added layer of flavour. The pepper subtly enhances the whisky’s character without overpowering the delicate balance of the cocktail.
