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Two-ingredient whisky cocktails that are anything but basic

Whisky and Bitters Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe - Ballantine's

Who says great cocktails have to be complicated? With just two main ingredients, you can whip up drinks that hit all the right notes—no bar skills required. Think of it as whisky, reimagined. Perfect for spontaneous cocktail hours, laid-back evenings, or impressing friends with zero hassle.

Here’s a line-up of simple, two-ingredient whisky cocktails that prove quality trumps quantity every time.

Whisky & Bitters

Whisky and Bitters is like an elevated whisky on the rocks, delivering all the boldness of your favourite dram with a touch of spice and complexity. It’s stripped-back and sophisticated. A simple take on the classic Old Fashioned. 

Wanna make it? Grab your Ballantine’s Finest and a few dashes of aromatic bitters. Stir over ice, garnish with a twist of orange, and you’re set for an effortlessly cool serve. This two ingredient cocktail proves that sometimes, less is so much more.

Whisky & Soda

This classic highball cocktail is crisp, clean, and endlessly refreshing. Whisky meets sparkling soda water for a serve that’s all about balance—light enough for daytime sipping, but bold enough to keep it interesting.

Pair Ballantine’s Finest with soda water over ice, garnish with a wedge of lime, and you’re good to go. Whisky and Soda is proof that simplicity can be seriously satisfying.

Whisky & Irn-Bru

A true Scottish legend. Whisky and Irn-Bru is as bold as it gets, with the unmistakable flavour of Irn-Bru adding a citrusy, slightly spiced kick to your dram. It’s a little unconventional but full of character—perfect for anyone who likes their whisky with a twist.

Serve Ballantine’s Finest over ice, top with Irn-Bru, and you’ve got a drink that’s as iconic as its ingredients. Bringing a playful edge to your cocktail repertoire.

Whisky & Cream Soda

Sweet, smooth, and seriously satisfying. Whisky and Cream Soda is an unexpected duo that just works, balancing Ballantine’s Finest’s rich, spiced notes with a creamy vanilla sweetness. 

Pour Ballantine’s over ice, add cream soda, and finish with a cherry on top if you’re feeling fancy. It’s the kind of drink that’s as good for a relaxed night in as it is for sharing with friends.

Frozen Whisky & Apple Cider Slushie Cocktail Recipe - Ballantine's

Apple Cider Slushie

Ok, so this one adds in some lemon juice and a lot of ice. But with whisky and apple cider as the base, it’s pretty much a two-ingredient cocktail. Perfect for hot days or whenever you want something cool, crisp and a little bit playful.

Blend Ballantine’s, apple cider and ice until slushy. Serve in a chilled glass and enjoy this icy twist on a classic pairing. Our Apple Cider Slushie is here to elevate your summer sipping game.

Peach Whisky Iced Tea

Sweet peach iced tea meets the richness of whisky, creating a drink that’s light, refreshing and packed with flavour. It’s an easy way to bring a summer vibe to any occasion, no matter the time of year.

Pour blended scotch whisky over ice, top with peach iced tea, and garnish with a slice of fresh peach. Peach Whisky Iced Tea is sunshine in a glass.

Rob Roy

A whisky and vermouth combo that’s equal parts simple and sophisticated. The Rob Roy takes the essence of a Manhattan but keeps things easy with just two main ingredients. It’s the perfect serve for a refined yet uncomplicated cocktail moment.

Stir Ballantine’s with sweet vermouth over ice, strain into a glass, and garnish with a cherry. Add a dash of bitters if you like to dial up the complexity. 

Ballantine’s & Ginger Ale

Spicy, zesty, and effortlessly cool. Whisky and Ginger Ale is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bringing a refreshing kick to every sip. Whether it’s a spontaneous get-together or a laid-back evening, this drink delivers.

Mix Ballantine’s Finest with ginger ale over ice, garnish with a wedge of lime, and enjoy the magic of this lightly spiced combo. It’s a classic for a reason.

Whisky Paloma

Whisky in a Paloma? Absolutely. Swap out traditional tequila for Ballantine’s and you get a cocktail that’s tangy, zesty and bursting with flavour. The fresh grapefruit adds a bright, citrusy edge to the rich whisky base.

Pour Ballantine’s over ice, top with grapefruit soda, and garnish with a slice of grapefruit. Whisky Paloma is your new summer serve.

Whisky & Appletiser

When you want something crisp and fruity, Whisky & Appletiser has you covered. The light apple flavour pairs perfectly with Ballantine’s, making it an easy yet flavour-packed serve that’s super bubbly.

Pour Ballantine’s Finest over ice, add Appletiser and finish with an apple slice for garnish. Simplicity done right.

Blood Shot Eye

For those who like their cocktails caffeinated, the Blood Shot Eye brings boldness to the table. Coffee and whisky may seem like an unusual combo, but trust us—it works.

Mix Ballantine’s Finest with cold brew over ice and sweeten to taste. 

Whisky & Lemonade

Bright, zesty, and full of life, our Whisky & Lemonade combines the citrus flavours of Ballantine’s Brasil with sparkling lemonade for a drink that’s extra zesty. 

It’s an easy win for summer gatherings or whenever you want a no-fuss cocktail that delivers.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest serves that win. With just two ingredients, these cocktails are proof that great taste doesn’t have to be complicated. So grab your favourite Ballantine’s blend and get mixing.

Want more? Check out our collection of whisky drink recipes. Or add another flavour with our list of the best 3-ingredient whisky cocktails.

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