Drambuie & Scotch Butterscotch Collins
Bright, fizzy, and lightly sweet, the Butterscotch Collins blends Scotch, Drambuie, and lemon for a spirited whisky highball.
A playful riff on the Tom Collins, the Butterscotch Collins blends smoky Scotch with the honeyed warmth of Drambuie, balanced by lemon juice and finished with a sparkling lift of club soda. It’s a refreshing whisky cocktail that works equally well as a summer sipper or a lively dinner party highball.
Background
The Tom Collins has inspired countless variations since the late 1800s, and this Scotch-based version leans into Drambuie’s herbal honey notes for a sweet-but-complex twist. While not a historical classic, it’s a natural fit for fans of whisky highballs looking for something brighter than a Scotch and soda.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Scotch – the whisky backbone, adding depth and smoke.
- Drambuie – brings honey sweetness and herbal spice.
- Lemon Juice – cuts through with sharp citrus.
- Club Soda – adds fizz and length.
- Sugar (optional) – adjusts sweetness to taste.
Equipment
- Collins glass
- Bar spoon
- Ice
Sweet & Smoky Fizz
What sets this drink apart is the combination of Drambuie’s rich butterscotch tones with crisp lemon and bubbles. It’s approachable yet layered, giving you the refreshment of a Collins with the complexity of a whisky cocktail.
Substitutions & Variations
- Whisky Swap: Try bourbon for a sweeter profile or Irish whiskey for something lighter.
- Citrus Twist: Lime juice gives a sharper edge; grapefruit juice offers bittersweet depth.
- Syrup Option: Replace sugar with honey syrup to echo Drambuie’s flavor.
- Tall & Light: Use extra soda to stretch it into a low-ABV refresher.
Helpful Tips
- Garnish with a lemon wheel for brightness, or a sprig of mint if you want extra freshness.
- Pair it with savory appetizers like smoked almonds, charcuterie, or grilled shrimp.
- For parties, batch the Scotch, Drambuie, and lemon juice in advance, then top with soda per serving.
Butterscotch Collins Recipe
Type of Glass
Collins Glass
Ingredients
- 1 oz.
- 1/2 oz. Drambuie®
- 2 oz.
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1 tsp.
- 1 fill Water
Directions
- Add sugar and lemon juice to a Collins glass. Stir until the sugar dissolves (optional if you prefer less sweetness).
- Pour in Scotch and Drambuie, then fill the glass with ice.
- Top with club soda and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel or twist.
Proof that Scotch can be just as refreshing as gin, especially with a splash of Drambuie.
