With all of the ballyhoo surrounding St. Patrick’s Day, it’s easy to forget there’s another cultural group in the British Isles with funny accents and a penchant for whisky.
No, no, I’m not talking about the Welsh, God bless them. Rather, the Scots, those venerable tartan-wearin’, bagpipe-playin’, sheep-intestine-eatin’ folks who can party just as hard as the rest of them when given the chance.
As a hat tip to the Scottish people, so often overlooked — especially in March — and in anticipation of National Tartan Day (April 6), Scotch whiskey distillery Laphroaig has created a heady cocktail with a sweet edge.
Laphroaig Affinity Cocktail
1 1⁄2 ounces Laphroaig® Quarter Cask Scotch Whisky
1⁄2 ounce sweet vermouth
1⁄2 part dry vermouth
2-3 dashes orange bitters
Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
Now, Laphroaig doesn’t provide any additional suggestions for food or fashion pairings for the Affinity cocktail, but given its sugary-smoky notes, I recommend drinking it while eating some haggis and oatcakes and wearing a skirt. Slàinte mhath!
This article appears in Mar 20-26, 2014.