Butterscotch Collins - Scotch, Drambuie & Lemon Highball

The Butterscotch Collins uses Scotch and Drambuie as the base of a Collins-style highball, with fresh lemon supplying acidity and club soda providing length and carbonation. There is no broadly recognized canonical specification for this drink, but the current proportions are professionally balanced and keep the liqueur in a supporting role.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Scotch - supplies the whisky backbone and malt character.
• Drambuie - adds honeyed sweetness, herbs, and spice.
• Lemon Juice - provides the acidity needed to balance the liqueur.
• Club Soda - lengthens the drink and adds carbonation.

A blended Scotch keeps the drink approachable. Another honeyed whisky liqueur can work as a variation, but it will change the Drambuie character.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Strainer
• Collins Glass

A Rusty Nail Idea in Collins Form

Scotch and Drambuie are a proven pairing, but the addition of lemon and soda changes the experience completely. Citrus cuts the liqueur's sweetness, while carbonation turns the combination into a lighter, longer drink rather than a short spirit-forward sipper.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use a lightly smoky Scotch for more peat without overwhelming the lemon.
• Reduce Drambuie slightly for a drier version.
• Add a dash of aromatic bitters for extra spice.
• Replace club soda with plain sparkling water if preferred.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice.
• Shake only the Scotch, Drambuie, and Lemon Juice.
• Add Club Soda after straining to preserve carbonation.
• Use plenty of fresh ice in the Collins Glass.
• Stir only once or twice after topping.