Cool off with this easy Islander Drink recipe! Combine sweet vermouth, blended scotch whisky, and anise liqueur for a unique cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 173
Ingredients
- 2 oz Sweet Vermouth
- ¾ oz Blended Scotch Whisky
- ¼ oz Anise Liqueur
- Ice cubes
- Lemon twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Mixing Glass
- Coupe Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your coupe glass with ice cubes to chill.
- Add Anise Liqueur: Add ¼ oz Anise Liqueur to the mixing glass.
- Add Blended Scotch Whisky: Measure ¾ oz Blended Scotch Whisky into the glass.
- Add Sweet Vermouth: Pour 2 oz Sweet Vermouth into the glass.
- Stir Gently: Add ice and use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Strain: Empty your coupe glass and strain your drink in it.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lemon peel.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Sweet Vermouth: If you don't have sweet vermouth, try using dry vermouth with a small splash of simple syrup to balance the flavors. I've also used red wine in a pinch; it changes the character but works well.
- Blended Scotch Whisky: You can substitute bourbon for a sweeter profile or use rye whisky for a spicier kick. I've found that even a good-quality rum can add an interesting twist.
- Anise Liqueur: If you're not a fan of anise, use absinthe for a more robust licorice flavor, or omit it entirely and add a dash of bitters for complexity.
Making a Pitcher of Islander Drink:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of sweet vermouth, 6 oz of blended scotch whisky, and 2 oz of anise liqueur.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the sweet vermouth, blended scotch whisky, and anise liqueur with ice. Stir well.
- Serve: Strain the mixture into chilled coupe glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Sweet Vermouth Substitute: Use non-alcoholic red wine or grape juice with a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
- Blended Scotch Whisky Substitute: You can opt for non-alcoholic whisky alternatives available on the market or use strong-brewed tea like lapsang souchong for its smoky flavor.
- Anise Liqueur Substitute: Make an anise-flavored simple syrup by boiling water with sugar and star anise until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
- Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
The Islander Drink is naturally vegan if you ensure that your sweet vermouth and blended scotch whisky are free from animal products. Some brands may produce animal-derived fining agents, so check labels or opt for certified vegan options.What is an Islander Drink?
An Islander Drink is a scotch-based cocktail made of sweet vermouth, blended scotch whisky, and anise liqueur. It’s not difficult to make because it involves straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients. This unique drink offers a distinctive flavor profile that combines the sweetness of vermouth with the rich notes of scotch and the aromatic touch of anise liqueur. Perfect for those looking to try something new without much hassle!
What is an Islander Drink made of – The ingredients
Collect these ingredients to make an Islander Drink:
- Sweet Vermouth: Adds a rich, sweet savor and balances the smokiness of the scotch.
- Blended Scotch Whisky: Provides a smoky, robust base for the cocktail.
- Anise Liqueur: Infuses the drink with a distinct licorice-like aroma and taste.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and slightly dilutes it for a smoother sip.
- Lemon Twist (optional): Adds a citrusy aroma and garnish for visual appeal.
