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Drink around the world with these international cocktails

Cocktail
spicy chili pina colada cocktail recipe - ballantine's

Here’s your guide to cocktails by country—a globe-trotting list of bold, flavour-packed drinks from around the world. Whether you’re a fan of tropical, sharp, citrusy, or smooth, there’s something here to shake up your next cocktail hour.

From beach bars in Brazil to izakayas in Tokyo, cocktails are a global thing. Every country has its signature serve—some rooted in tradition, others reimagined with a twist. And while the classics are iconic, there’s always room to mix things up with a splash of Ballantine’s.

 

Old Fashioned

United States

The Old Fashioned is where it all started. This American staple has been around since the early 1800s and is widely considered the blueprint for all modern cocktails. It’s simple but punchy: whisky, sugar, bitters and a twist of citrus.

Our Scotch Old Fashioned keeps things classic, but with a twist. Made with Ballantine’s 7 American Barrel, it’s smooth, slightly sweet and full of oaky character—ideal for slow sips and late nights.

 

Paloma

Mexico

If you want a drink that delivers zing and refreshment in one hit, the Paloma is it. Hugely popular in Mexico, this cocktail is typically made with tequila, grapefruit soda and lime. It’s sharp, fizzy and made for hot days.

 

Our Whisky Paloma swaps out the tequila for Ballantine’s Finest, giving it a smoother edge without losing any of that juicy citrus kick. Think laid-back 

 

Whisky Sour

United States

Another all-American icon, the Whisky Sour strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour. First published in the mid-1800s, it’s made with whisky, lemon juice, sugar syrup and (optionally) egg white for that silky texture.

 

Try a classic Whisky Sour recipe or shake things up with one of our favourite Whisky Sour variations—like a Passion Sour for a fruity hit or a Rose Petal Sour for something sweet and romantic.

BQs, rooftops and golden hour vibes.

 

Piña Colada

Puerto Rico

Tropical, indulgent and unapologetically fun, the Piña Colada is the official cocktail of Puerto Rico. A mix of rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice, it was made for sipping poolside (or pretending you are).

 

For our take on the creamy classic, try the Whisky Piña Colada—a chilled blend of Ballantine’s Finest with pineapple and coconut. Or, for a bolder take, our Spicy Piña brings chilli into the mix for a spicy-sweet hit with serious kick. Perfect for beach parties, real or imagined.

 

Mojito

Cuba

The Mojito is Cuba in a glass. Originally made with local rum, lime, mint and sugar, it’s a drink with deep roots—dating back to Havana’s golden age and still one of the most popular cocktails on the planet.

 

Our Whisky Mojito takes that same blueprint and swaps the rum for smooth blended scotch. The result is a fresh, zesty serve with more depth—minty, citrusy and ideal for hot weather hangs or garden parties.

 

Mojito

Cuba

The Mojito is Cuba in a glass. Originally made with local rum, lime, mint and sugar, it’s a drink with deep roots—dating back to Havana’s golden age and still one of the most popular cocktails on the planet.

Our Whisky Mojito takes that same blueprint and swaps the rum for smooth blended scotch. The result is a fresh, zesty serve with more depth—minty, citrusy and ideal for hot weather hangs or garden parties.

 

Sazerac

United States (New Orleans)

Born in New Orleans and often claimed as the first American cocktail, the Sazerac is strong, aromatic and rich in history. Traditionally made with rye, absinthe, sugar and bitters, it’s the definition of an old-school serve.

 

Our Sazerac brings the same bold energy with a scotch whisky twist. It’s complex and spicy, made for serious cocktail fans and those after something a little more theatrical. Best served in low lighting with good company.

 

G&T

United Kingdom

The UK doesn’t technically have a national cocktail—but the G&T is about as close as it gets. Originally created as a medicinal drink during colonial times, it evolved into the crisp, botanical classic we know today.

 

Our Whisky & Tonic puts on a Ballantine’s spin. Ballantine’s Finest meets tonic water and a fresh citrus wedge. It’s light, zesty and made for backyard barbecues.

 

Caipirinha

Brazil

Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirinha, is all about simplicity done right. Made with cachaça (a sugarcane spirit), lime and sugar, it’s zesty, strong and just a little bit fiery—perfect for beach parties, late nights and carnival energy.

 

Put on a whisky twist by mixing in a pour of Ballantine’s. Expect a sharp lime hit balanced by mellow sugar and a touch of grassy funk from the cachaça.

 

Pisco Sour

Peru

Peru’s most famous cocktail, the Pisco Sour, is a silky-smooth combination of pisco, lime juice, sugar syrup, egg white and bitters. It’s sharp, balanced and has a luxurious mouthfeel that sets it apart.

 

Traditionally served in a coupe with a dash of Angostura on top, it’s a staple at Peruvian celebrations and the ultimate dinner party opener. If you like your sours with elegance, this one’s worth mastering.

 

Highball

Japan

The Highball is Japan’s take on whisky drinking—minimalist, refreshing and all about balance. Made with whisky and soda water over ice, it’s a clean, crisp serve that’s surprisingly satisfying.

 

Try our Scotch and Soda with Ballantine’s Finest or Ballantine’s 10 Year Old to let the whisky shine. This one’s perfect for dinner pairings and late-night serves.

From Tokyo to Tulum, these international cocktails prove that good drinks know no borders. Whether you’re into classics or curious to try a Ballantine’s twist, there’s a world of flavour to explore.

So go ahead—stock the bar, spin the globe and mix something bold.

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