When it comes to finding a balanced cocktail that combines intricate and unexpected ingredients, look no further than this cocktail made with Highland Park Scotch whisky. Highland Park offers a flavor profile of rich, fruity, aromas intertwined with intense floral peaty notes. Born in the Orkney Islands, this wind battered yet beautifully mild climate makes a complex whisky like no other.
Below, we spoke with Operating Partner Matt Grippo of Blackbird who crafted a delicious Highland Park cocktail that highlights the harmony of the wild elements found in the whisky’s unique island home.
How did you design the cocktail?
I love playing with the simple Old Fashioned format. This was a play on that cocktail but with a fun, summer time/tropical edge. Smart and adventurous bartenders that came before me realized that peat and coconut go really well together so fat washing the scotch blend with coconut oil was my way of adding subtle flavor. The fruit notes in Highland Park blend perfectly with pineapple and the Coconut matches the peat flavors.
What flavor notes did you pick up from Highland Park when making this?
The fruit notes in Highland Park blend perfectly with pineapple and the Coconut matches the peat flavors.
When would you drink this?
I think this is perfect for a balmy San Francisco night. Your mind wants to be somewhere warm and tropical but your body wants to warm up with some Scotch!
How do you drink your Highland Park?
I love Highland Park neat! It’s a delicious whisky but it also stands up in simple cocktails too.
What are you most excited about in the year ahead?
I’m looking forward to enjoying the city and the service industry as we all get back into the swing of things once again! After the year we had last year, I'm rooting for San Francisco to roar back for a great summer of making up for lost time.
Great Escapism
2 oz Coconut Washed Scotch Blend (Highland Park 12 Year & Blended Scotch (Famous Grouse)
.25 oz Small Hands Foods Pineapple Gum
2 dash Angostura
Try this cocktail at Blackbird, 2124 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114. To learn more about Highland Park and where to buy your own bottle, visit HERE.
Photography by: Drew Altizer Photography
