* No driving was performed under the influence of alcohol

Ervin travels far and wide to spread the good word about Scottish whisky. Creating new and exciting ways to show off our favourite spirit is all in a day's work, and what better muse than the Scottish landscape to help him do it?

Drawing inspiration and ingredients from quintessentially Scottish scenes, he made us five fantastic foraged Scotch cocktails perfect for summer sipping.

RED FLAG!

"Light, crisp and refreshing – a champagne cocktail that focuses on the key notes found in Cardhu Amber Rock. Super easy-drinking and perfect for summer."

Ingredients: 30ml Cardhu Amber Rock 30ml Blackberry cider shrub Prosecco to top

Blackberry cider shrub: 125ml cider vinegar, add 100g of blackberries and 200g of sugar. Leave in a Kilner jar for a minimum of 2 weeks Method: Shake the Cardhu and the cider vinegar and strain into a chilled champagne flute.

 

 

BEATING HEART OF OBAN

"This drink was designed to be paired perfectly with seafood found around the Oban distillery – especially served next to some squat lobsters! A wonderful savoury Scotch cocktail much like the Bloody Mary. Great for a Sunday or for a trip out to Oban."

Ingredients: 50ml Oban Little Bay 50ml Beetroot juice 15ml Lemon juice 15ml Sugar syrup 2 pinches of black pepper 4 dashes Lea & Perrins 4 dashes seaweed saline solution

Seaweed saline solution: Take a small amount of dried seaweed, add 100ml of boiling water and 10g of salt, leave for 10 minutes then take the seaweed out. Method: Shake all ingredients and strain into a small Martini glass. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper. WOOD FOR THE TREES

"The fresh fruit and nut notes of The Singleton of Dufftown are matched perfectly by most root beers. I used Bundaberg, but most other good quality brands will work well. This is a really easy and tasty drink that anyone can make at home, and one of my favourite ways to enjoy Scotch!"

Ingredients:

50ml The Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Old 2 dashes pine bitters (optional) 125ml Root beer

Method: Build this drink in a tall glass over cubed ice. In the picture it's garnished with edible paint and soil, but a lime wedge is equally nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BUCKTHORN COLADA

"A fun drink with Scotch! A take on the classic Piña Colada which usually calls for rum. It is, in my opinion, far improved by using peaty Scotch whisky. I have matched Talisker sweet smoke and brought the sour element to the drink by using sea buckthorn juice. It's super tasty and perfect for a warm summer's day in Scotland."

Ingredients: 50ml Talisker Storm Pineapple juice 30ml Coconut cream 15ml Sea buckthorn juice

Method:

Shake the drink with cubed ice and serve in a small coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with pineapple – or a small boat sail!

 

THE MEETING PLACE

"I'm recommending this drink in two ways – either multiply the above quantities by four and mix in a Thermos that can be enjoyed as a reward, ideally at the top of a Scottish Munro, or enjoy it in the comfort of your own home with friends. This is a fantastically simple Old Fashioned style of drink, and a perfect evening sipper with Dalwhinnie 15!"

Ingredients: 50ml Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old 15ml Honey water 1 dash Angostura Bitters

Method: Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with cubed ice. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with a large orange zest.