whisky and milk drinks YOU NEED TO TRY

Can you mix whisky and milk?

The thought of mixing milk and whisky might sound unappealing at first, but this classic duo actually dates back centuries as one of the oldest written cocktail recipes. 

The combination of sweet, smooth whisky and milk creates a comforting, creamy drink that can be enjoyed any time of day. Ballantine’s scotch whisky is beautifully rich, balanced by velvety flavours of vanilla, chocolate, apple and a hint of spice. Each of these notes pair perfectly with the slightly salty, sweet flavour of milk.

Not into dairy? No worries. Swap cow’s milk for your favourite lactose-free alternative; try coconut or almond milk for a boost of nuttiness, or add earthy richness with oat milk.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU MIX WHISKY AND MILK?

Milk plays a key role in many cocktails. It’s why White Russians are so popular and why there are so many varieties of cream liqueurs stocked on the shelves. The one exclusion to this is alcohols that include citrus. The presence of ascorbic acid (vitamin C to you and me!) and citric acid in fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes can cause milk to curdle, resulting in a not-so-nice to drink lumpy liquid that could  wreak havoc on your digestive system.

When you mix whisky and milk, you can expect them to combine nicely, creating a chilled cocktail that’s warming, comforting and creamy

Whisky and milk cocktail recipes

Whisky and milk make the perfect base for a sweet or spiced cocktail. From chocolate to honey, vanilla to nutmeg, there’s tons of ingredients to stir into your drink.

Here are some whisky and milk cocktail recipes to try:

1. Whisky Milkshake

If you’re in the mood for something outrageously sweet and creamy, then the Whisky Milkshake is going to blow your socks off. This over the top drink is basically a dessert in a cocktail, made with all the dairy goodness. 

The addition of ice cream to whisky and milk makes this adult-only milkshake 1,000 times creamier. Oh, and then there’s the toppings. Whipped cream, chocolate chips, cookies, marshmallows, donuts. If you’ve got it, top it.

2. MILK PUNCH

Not to be confused with the complex and technical  ‘Clarified  Milk Punch’, this is the OG milk and whisky drink. The simple mix of milk, sugar syrup and Ballantine’s 10 Year Old whisky creates a seriously silky cocktail that’s just as fun to sip over brunch as it is during the festive season. 

Simply shake the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker before straining to serve. Then the garnish is up to you. Traditionally you’d grate some nutmeg for extra warming spice, but feel free to make it your own. Try cinnamon, brown sugar or cream for extra creaminess.

3. Whisky Hot Chocolate

Can you really beat a mug of hot cocoa? Well, if you add whisky then yeah. Our Whisky Hot Chocolate recipe is a real crowd pleaser, perfect for those freezing nights and cosy evenings in. 

Add your favourite cocoa powder to milk and Ballantine’s Finest before spraying on as much whipped cream as you can. Then it’s time for marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, cinnamon, nuts, mint… you name it.

4. Whisky Iced Latte

Say goodbye to your go-to iced latte order, there’s a new drink in town. The Whisky Iced Latte is an 18+ version of our favourite coffee cooler, perfect for chilled summer afternoons and spontaneous garden gatherings.

To make this refreshing, creamy cocktail, all you need is to add Ballantine’s Finest smooth whisky to your cold brew and milk combo. Shake with ice and sip until the sun goes down

In the mood for more whisky drinks? Check out what else you can mix with our favourite spirit with our collection of whisky cocktail recipes. We’ve got chocolate whisky drinks, beer and whisky mixes and a bunch of classic cocktails to end your night with.