Mix dad a sophisticated cocktail he'll never forget.
Though the origins of the negroni are, like many cocktails, a subject of much dispute, there's no doubt that the simple gin-based cocktail is a surefire winner on Dad's Day. It doesn't even require a cocktail shaker; just add the ingredients – gin, Campari, vermouth – and stir, with an orange peel to garnish. The result? A bitter cocktail with just enough fruitiness.
We recommend making your dad a negroni using Aviation American Gin. After all, Aviation's A-list owner Ryan Reynolds – a father of three himself – first tasted and fell in love with the gin as part of a negroni, so it's only appropriate. The Aviation gin is a little less juniper-forward than some other dry styles of gin, but brings notes of vanilla and lavender to the glass to complement the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth.
Johnnie Walker and an old fashioned: two classics that go hand-in-hand. Consisting of a base spirit, sugar, water and bitters, the old fashioned is an easy-to-make cocktail that has been around for what feels like forever. Hence the name, right? It's a staple of the cocktail world, just like Johnnie Walker is a staple of the spirits world, so now's the time to put the two together.
Johnnie Walker Gold is a smooth Scotch blended using malts from both Highland and Speyside, while also incorporating a hint of the West Coast's smokiness. It's a joy to sip straight, but goes to another level as the base of an old fashioned. The Scotch's honeyed sweetness and creamy vanilla flavours complement the bitters nicely, making this cocktail the perfect digestif as Dad's Day draws to a close.
The Dark 'n' Stormy is a delicious rum-based cocktail incorporating lime juice, sugar syrup, bitters and ginger beer. It makes for a refreshing cocktail to be enjoyed in the sunshine, perhaps as a pre-dinner aperitif, thanks to the mingling flavours of ginger, bitters and rum.
When it comes to rum choice for a Dark 'n' Stormy, we're big fans of the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva 12-year-old Rum. It's a dark rum hailing from Venezuela, which also happens to be the spiritual home of Angostura bitters, a key ingredient in the Dark 'n' Stormy. This rum has won too many awards to list and comes with flavours of coffee, caramel, dried fruits and chocolate, but never strays into too-sweet territory. It's the perfect addition to any Dark 'n' Stormy and will have Dad feeling like he's sailing the high seas from the very first sip.
Back in the 18th century, Basil Hayden broke all the rules back by mixing small grains into bourbon's traditional corn base. The result was a sweet, spicy and smooth bourbon, complete with notes of pepper, citrus and a warm finish. The recipe has stood the test of time, both when drunk neat and as part of a bourbon cocktail, like a Bourbon Sour.
This cocktail is a riff on the classic sour recipe that's both tasty and simple. It perfectly balances spicy and sweet, with the Basil Hayden Bourbon bringing a spicy kick along for the ride. It's a sophisticated staple for the classy dad, with an egg white adding a delightfully foamy texture to the final product.
A Rusty Nail may sound unappetising, but this simple mix of Scotch and whisky liqueur has won plenty of fans over the years, including Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. That information alone should be enough to impress your dad, but he'll truly be converted once he sips the cocktail himself.
The Chivas Regal 13Y.O Blended Scotch is a must-try drink for any dad who loves their whisky, bringing together the best of both worlds by finishing the Scotch in American rye casks. The result? Sweet, juicy orange, creamy milk chocolate and a smooth, mellow finish, perfect for mixing with Drambuie's notes of sweet honey, herbs and spices.
