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Best John Lennon Songs to sing along to with Ballantine’s

7 min read
ballantines john lennon the nyc rocks coke (1)

A true iconic and defining individual of the 20th century, John Lennon was simply a musical genius. The modern world and its cultural history wouldn’t be the same if he hadn’t been born in Liverpool in 1940. 

So including Lennon as one of this year’s Ballantine’s True Music Icons was a no brainer.

To celebrate the release of Ballantine’s Finest X John Lennon limited edition bottle, we’ve put together a list of 5 of the best John Lennon songs to immerse yourself in while drinking Ballantine’s.

We’ve even paired specific whisky drinks with each song—so grab your speaker, pour your Ballantine’s and get ready for an evening of great music and great scotch.

New York City 

Listen to with The NYC

Taken from Lennon’s 1972 album, Some Time in New York City, this love letter to his colourful new life with Yoko Ono in The Big Apple has to be paired with our new cocktail, The NYC.

This crisp and fruity whisky cocktail uses apple juice as its mixer (a true nod to the city) along with a 50ml measure of sweet and spicy Ballantine’s Finest

Refreshing apple pairs perfectly with rich scotch–-and the addition of bubbly soda water makes The NYC a thirst quenching drink that you’ll be glad of after Lennon’s raucous track has got you up on your feet.

THE NYC

Inspired by Lennon’s love of New York, here’s a refreshing serve inspired by the city’s most famous nickname.

TRY IT

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) 

Listen to with Ballantine’s Christmas Cocktail

Lennon was behind one of the most iconic modern Christmas songs of all time. Everyone knows the words to Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – it’s one of those festive ballads that takes you back to nostalgic Christmases of the past.

The meaningful lyrics highlight the importance of love and peace, two things that Christmas is all about. So next time you listen, grab a festive drink sip between verses.

Our Whisky Christmas cocktail was especially created for the season. But it’s just as good year round. It’s a delicious spiced blend of Ballantine’s Finest, hot cranberry juice, lemon, fresh pear and the Christmas classics of cinnamon and clove.

Honey Pie 

Listen to with Honey & Whisky Highball

We can’t talk about the musical ability of John Lennon without mentioning his pioneering partnership with Paul McCartney. This powerhouse was behind the Beatles’ top hits and changed modern music, and the world, forever.

And did you know that several Beatles songs refer to honey? Pretty great for indulging in a Honey & Ginger whisky highball… not that we need an excuse.

Honey Pie is one of our favourite Beatles songs, with its foot tapping melody and tongue in cheek lyrics. Technically written by McCartney, but credited to the legendary Lennon-McCartney partnership, we reckon it qualifies for this list.

Honey and ginger is a popular pairing, but the addition of Glenburgie 15YO single malt takes it to the next level. Scotch shares some similarities with honey, with its rich golden tone, sweetness and floral flavours – delish.

Imagine 

Listen to with The Dreamer

Viewed by music critics as one of the best songs of all time, Imagine certainly deserves a place in this round-up. And with its famous lines, “You may say I’m a dreamer / But I’m not the only one”, this poignant ballad marries up with The Dreamer cocktail perfectly.

It’s an alternative whisky sour with complex flavours to mirror the intricacy in Lennon’s lyrics, and it’s certainly a dreamy experience to sip alongside great music.

The simple yet super effective addition of maple syrup adds an extra dimension and richness to this quintessential whisky drink – and discussing existential questions is always best done over a tasty whisky cocktail.

The Dreamer

This twist on the classic sour balances the robust flavours of Ballantine’s Finest with subtle sweetness and citrus notes, creating a drink that echoes Lennon’s depth and creativity.

TRY IT

Strawberry Fields Forever 

Listen to with Sunny Scotland

We’re concluding our Lennon and Ballantine’s pairings with one of our top Beatles songs, Strawberry Fields Forever.

Lennon dedicated the song to his memories of playing in the garden of Strawberry Field, a Salvation Army children’s home in Liverpool. And you couldn’t find a better musical match for the Sunny Scotland scotch cocktail. 

Admittedly, it features fresh raspberries rather than strawberries, but these two summer berries are super similar. Either way, this fruity whisky drink takes us back to endless summer days spent playing under the Scottish sunshine with friends.

Whizz up a glass of Sunny Scotland and go back to the good ol’ days while listening to the intricate lyrics of Lennon.

Why not have a go at making your own whisky cocktail inspired by Lennon? Just like in music, there are no rules, stay true and make something iconic.

Need more inspiration? Check out our collection of whisky recipes.

Limited Edition Series

John Lennon

Ballantine’s presents True Music Icons, a celebration of the most influential musicians of all time. This year we’re paying homage to John Lennon.

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We look at the 10 best songs from Elton John’s discography. In celebration of Ballantine’s Finest X Elton John limited edition bottle.

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Blog

You already know we’ve nailed the Finest Whisky to ever grace a glass. But that’s just a little drop of what we’re about. Scroll on for the latest news and features from across the world of Ballantine’s whisky, True Music and much, much more.

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