The Highland Raider combines the malty spice of Scotch Whisky with two Scottish liqueurs that bring honey, herbs, and spices. A splash of soda lightens the sweetness, while raspberries add a fruity acidity. Not a classic cocktail, but a drink that modernizes Scottish flavors—perfect for those who enjoy whisky but prefer not to drink it neat.
Here’s what you need for the Highland Raider
2 cl Blended Scotch Whisky
2 cl Drambuie (honey-spiced whisky liqueur)
2 cl Glayva (herb-spiced liqueur with honey and spices)
6 cl soda water
4 fresh raspberries (for garnish and light acidity)
Key points
Don’t just use the raspberries as decoration—they release a light acidity while drinking, balancing the sweetness of the liqueurs. For a stronger effect, gently press one raspberry before serving so its juice drips into the glass. Important: Never shake Glayva and Drambuie, or the drink will become overly sweet and lose its clear layering. A large ice cube melts more slowly and dilutes the drink more evenly.
Variations
- Highland Raider Smoky — Replace the Blended Scotch Whisky with a smoky single malt Scotch Whisky (e.g., 40–50 ppm phenol content). Replace the raspberries with a thin slice of smoked pear.
- Highland Raider Dry — Reduce the Drambuie to 1 cl and add 1 cl lemon juice. Replace the soda water with 3 cl tonic water to introduce a bitter note.
Frequently asked questions
Can I substitute the liqueurs if I don’t have them?
Drambuie and Glayva share similar flavors but with different emphases: Drambuie is more honey-forward, Glayva more spice-forward. If one is missing, use 4 cl of the other and adjust sweetness with a little lemon juice or more soda. Any replacement liqueur should at least contain honey and herbs—otherwise, the drink’s character will be lost.
Why does the drink taste watery to me?
Too much ice or small cubes dilute the drink too quickly. Use a single large, clear ice cube (preferably made from filtered water) and pour the ingredients directly over it. Add the soda water last to prevent excessive fizzing and dilution.
Can I use Bourbon Whiskey instead?
Technically yes, but the Bourbon will overpower the Scottish flavors of the liqueurs. If you want to try it, use a mild Bourbon (e.g., high-wheat content) and reduce the amount to 1.5 cl to avoid overwhelming the sweetness.
