11 Traditional Scottish Spirits Worth Trying

You can't talk about Scottish spirits without mentioning Scotch whisky, often referred to just as Scotch.

Scotch is a type of whiskey made in Scotland, but it is unique compared to other types. While many whiskies are made with a mix of grains and different mash bills, Scotch is traditionally made with only water and malted barley.

Scotch's flavor is different from other kinds of whisky, and of course there are differences between different bottles of Scotch. Scotch is often smokier, especially a peaty Scotch.

The first spirit on our list is Aelder. You distill this Scottish spirit from wild Scottish elderberries.

It is blended with scotch whiskey and other herbaceous botanicals. It has bold, fruity notes and mild bitterness, making it excellent for cocktails. You can also enjoy it neat or on the rocks.

I recommend pairing it with cheese and other dairy products or using it as a sauce for ice cream.

You can also add it to a tonic to make a refreshing spritz. It is perfect for a romantic dinner or an after-dinner digestif.

Next on our list is Drambuie.

This Scottish spirit has been produced since the 1700s and is made from Scotch whisky, heather honey, herbs, and spices.

It has a sweet, smoky flavor with hints of vanilla and anise.

Drambuie is often enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but you can also use it in Scotch cocktails like a Rusty Nail, with Drambuie, Scottish whiskey, and lemon juice.

You can also mix it with chilled champagne, ginger ale, and a splash of orange liqueur for a fun Scottish-inspired cocktail.

Arbikie is a Scottish vodka made from Scottish wheat, barley, and rye.

It has notes of citrus and spice with a long, smooth finish.

It is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, and you can also use Arbike to make classic vodka cocktails like a Martini or Vodka Soda.

This Scottish spirit is also great for making delightful summer cocktails like a Scottish Mule or Sangria. The possibilities are endless with this Scottish spirit!

Crossbill Gin is a Scottish gin made from Scottish juniper and other botanicals.

It has a subtle, floral flavor with notes of citrus and spice. It makes a fabulous Gin and Tonic or can be used to create a Scottish Martini.

To make a Scottish Tom Collins, mix it with tonic water, lime juice, and sugar syrup.

I love the herbaceous flavor that comes from the juniper berries. This spirit is one of my favorites.

Next up is Atholl Brose. You make this Scottish spirit from Scottish heather honey, whisky, and oats.

It has notes of sweet honey, spices, and a smoky finish.

It is traditionally sipped neat or on the rocks but can also be used to make a Scottish Highball, Scottish Mule, or Scottish Old Fashioned.

I love that Atholl Brose is so versatile and can be used to make some fantastic Scottish-inspired cocktails.

It has a unique flavor you don't find in many other spirits and is worth trying if you want something new.

Eden Mill is a Scottish spirit company that produces some of Scotland's finest gin and whiskey.

I am a massive fan of their cask mastery series, with three types of single malt whisky aged in different casks.

My favorite is the port cask. The port casks give this whiskey a sweet finish with spice and wood notes.

Eden Mill also produces some of the best Scottish gins I have tasted.

The Scottish Oak Aged gin has a complex profile with hints of citrus and spice. I suggest trying their spirits at least once if you want something unique.

Glayva is a Scottish liqueur distilled from whisky, honey, spices, and herbs.

It has a rich flavor that reminds me of Christmas, with orange, clove, and cinnamon notes. It is sweet but not too sweet and perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.

The name comes from the Gaelic word "gle mhath" which means "very good." It is an apt name for this delightful and tasty spirit.

It holds the distinct honor of being one of the best liquors in the world after winning the IWSC trophy an incredible five times.

You can also use it to make a Scottish Mule or Scottish Sour.

For a truly unique experience, try making a Scottish Hot Toddy with Glayva. It has a unique flavor unlike any other Scottish spirit, and I highly recommend it.

Murmichan is named after a mischievous Scots fairy that played pranks on people in the fairy tales of yesteryear.

It is an appropriate name for the first and only Scottish Absinthe. This Scottish Absinthe has a potent herbal flavor with notes of anise and fennel.

It is traditionally served neat or on the rocks but can also be used to make some fantastic cocktails.

I suggest making a Scottish Spritz or Scottish Sazerac with Murmichan. It adds a tremendous herbal flavor and can elevate any cocktail.

Although Scotland is traditionally known for producing high-quality scotch and whiskey, the distillers in Scotland have recently branched over into the world of Vodka.

Some of their offerings are quickly becoming world-renowned.

Ogily Vodka is one of the few potato vodkas available, and it stands out from the rest due to its incredibly smooth and creamy finish.

It has a mild flavor allowing you to add it to cocktails without overpowering the other flavors.

I recommend using Ogilvy Vodka in a Scottish Mule, Scottish Martini, or Scottish Sour due to the smooth finish of this Vodka.

Even though Scotland is miles away from the tropics, it doesn't mean they can't produce a delightful rum.

SeaWolf is the premier Scottish white rum. It is made in the Scottish Islands and distilled from sugar cane molasses. It has a sweet, fruity flavor profile with caramel, oak, and vanilla notes.

It is perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, but you can also use it in cocktails like a Scottish Mojito or Scottish Daiquiri.