A history of Scotland (in cocktails)
Drink your way through the entire history of Scotland in six cocktails
Roman Invasion
Seeking to expand their Empire, the Romans begin invading the ‘barbarians’ to the north, eventually constructing a coast-to-coast stone border” Hadrian’s Wall.
Hadrian’s Wall: Scotch, Galliano, orange juice
Pour orange juice into a highball glass. Add copious quantities of Scotch, and float Galliano on top using the back of a spoon, making for a clear divide.
Viking Invasions
Vikings and Norse settlers start invading Scotland after the fall of the Roman Empire, massively influencing Scottish identity and culture, not least via drinking.
Skullsplitter: aquavit, dark ale
Combine ingredients and shake vigorously. Serve in a bovid horn for dramatic effect. Garnish with a smoked sausage.
Wars of Independence
Centuries of relative peace between Scotland and England are shattered with the formation of the ‘Auld Alliance’ and a subsequent series of bloody wars featuring Mel Gibson.
William Wallace: tequila, high-proof rum, vodka
Pour ingredients into a shaker half-filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a shot glass.
Jacobite Risings
The deposition of King James VII of Scotland and II of England by Parliament during the Glorious Revolution prompts a series of rebellions and wars known as the Jacobite Risings.
Bonnie Prince Charlie: Drambuie, Champagne
Add the Drambuie (allegedly Charlie’s own creation) to a Champagne flute and top up with Champagne. Garnish with a length of lemon peel, allowing for a constant uprising of bubbles.
Victorian Scotland
Scotland becomes an epicentre of industrialisation and invention during the Victorian Era, as well as something of a literary mecca.
The Doctor Funk (A tonic created for Robert Louis Stevenson by his German physician, Bernhard Funk.): White rum, Absinthe, Lime juice, Grenadine, Soda water
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Serve in a hurricane glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Scottish Nationalism
The 21st century sees a rise in Scottish nationalist sentiment, culminating in a close-fought independence referendum and huge gains in the 2015 general election. All things Scottish are de rigueur.
Iron Monkey: Irn bru, Scotch
Pour Scotch into a rocks glass with ice. Add its equally iconic orange bedfellow and stir.
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