Whisky Mac
/
logo

Make Me A Cocktail

Whisky Mac
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.73 / 5
The Whisky Mac, also known as the Whiskey Macdonald, is a classic cocktail with a warming and spicy flavour profile that comes from its simple yet bold combination of Scotch ... more The Whisky Mac, also known as the Whiskey Macdonald, is a classic cocktail with a warming and spicy flavour profile that comes from its simple yet bold combination of Scotch whisky and ginger wine. This traditionally British concoction, believed to have been created by British soldiers in the 19th century, brings together the smooth, smoky elements of whisky and the sweet, fiery characteristics of ginger wine. Served in a wine glass without dilution, the Whisky Mac offers a cozy and robust drinking experience, particularly appreciated in the colder months or as a soothing after-dinner digestif. The balance between the spirit and the spicy ginger makes it both invigorating and comforting, appealing to those who appreciate a drink with a kick.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail

Microbadges

Cocktail Of The Day
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Whiskey
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27% | 2.43 units *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classic

Wine glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Ginger wine cocktail ingredient
Ginger wine
45ml 1½oz 4.5cl
Whiskey cocktail ingredient
Whiskey
45ml 1½oz 4.5cl

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Whisky Mac harmoniously marries the smoky depth of Scotch whisky with the vibrancy of ginger wine, creating a symphony of sweet heat and robust earthiness in every sip. This cocktail's unadulterated pour enhances the spirit's natural flavors, making it a quintessential choice for those who appreciate a spirited drink with a spicy kick, perfect for winding down on a chilly evening.

Method
How to make a Whisky Mac

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Carefully pour the Scotch whisky into a wine glass without ice
Add the ginger wine
Allow them to mix but don't stir, then serve

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Stir  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the origin of the Whisky Mac?

The Whisky Mac, short for Whisky Macdonald, is believed to have been invented by Colonel Hector MacDonald during the British Raj in India. It was designed as a warming drink for the cold, wet weather, combining the local whisky with ginger wine for added warmth and spice.

FAQ

Can I use any type of whiskey for a Whisky Mac?

While you technically can use any type of whiskey, the traditional choice is Scotch whisky, particularly a blended variety. The smoky flavor of Scotch complements the spicy sweetness of the ginger wine beautifully. However, feel free to experiment with what suits your taste buds best.

FAQ

Is there a specific ginger wine recommended for a Whisky Mac?

Stone's Original Green Ginger Wine is a popular choice and widely considered the traditional option for making a Whisky Mac. However, any good quality ginger wine that suits your taste will work well in this cocktail.

SERVING_SUGGESTIONS

How should I serve a Whisky Mac for the best experience?

A Whisky Mac should ideally be served in a wine glass to embrace its elegance. It is best enjoyed cold, but not over ice, to prevent dilution of the flavors. Pour the ginger wine and whisky into the glass and gently swirl to mix the two ingredients before serving.

FAQ

Are there any variations of the Whisky Mac I can try?

Yes, there are a few variations. One popular twist involves adding a few dashes of Angostura bitters for an extra layer of complexity. Another variation is to use hot ginger tea instead of ginger wine, making it a 'Hot Whisky Mac' perfect for colder seasons. Experimenting with the ratio of whisky to ginger wine can also lead to a personalized drink that suits your preferential balance of spicy and smoky flavors.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A pesonalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now

You might also like

Raspberry Lynchburg

Classic

The Raspberry Lynchburg is a tantalizing cocktail that delivers a sweet and sour flavor profile, expertly combining the warmth of...

Green Tea

The Green Tea cocktail is a refreshing and zesty concoction that's designed to be served in a shot glass, providing...

Blackberry Bramble

I'm part of the eighth generation at Dickie Bros. Orchard in Nelson County, Virginia. After being encouraged by the manager...

Scotty Special

An original flavour that is neutral but has a refreshing kick, which somehow works in beautiful harmony.
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me A Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating