Hogmanay is all about seeing out the old and bringing in the new, and what better way to do that than with a whisky?
But which whisky? And what’s the best way to drink it?
As SLTN readers ponder these all-important questions, we canvassed some drinks industry professionals to find out what they’ll be drinking as they bring in 2026.
For Mariella Romano of Isle of Arran Distillers it’ll be all about indulgence and comfort.
She said: “A great Hogmanay whisky cocktail should feel both indulgent and comforting, something that brings people together on a cold winter’s night, while also exciting the senses with bold flavours and an eye-catching presentation.
“Our Lagg Yule Mule cocktail (incorporating Lagg Kilmory single malt, Chambord, lime juice and ginger beer) embodies all of that.
“It’s visually festive and inviting, easy to create, and offers a delightful contrast of flavours with the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and smoke.”
Ginger also features in one of the favourite festive drinks from Graeme Sharp of Ian Macleod Distillers.
“The perfect drink to kick off festive celebrations is our Glengoyne Honey Bee highball serve,” said Sharp.
“It’s a great balance of sweet and spice from using honey syrup and ginger ale. Refreshing but also keeps some festive flavours.”
Not to limit himself to just the one drink, however (and quite right. It’s Hogmanay), Sharp added that an Old Fashioned using Tamdhu 15 ‘delivers layers of dried fruits and warming spice’.
The Old Fashioned was also one of the drinks favoured by Ryan Way of La Martiniquaise Bardinet UK.
He said: “It’s going to be cold, so you want something that’ll keep you warm from the inside out. A whisky like Glen Moray 18 Years Old would do the trick, or a dram of our Classic expression mixed with a fiery ginger beer. This is also a time for something special, so a Glen Moray Old Fashioned or another classic cocktail would be a fitting toast to see in the bells.”
Choosing just the right drink will depend on the occasion, of course.
“For me, it will be quite a chilled one this year so I will cosy up with a dram over ice or an Old Fashioned and watch the coverage on the TV,” said Lauren Doherty of Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers.
“If you are having a more lively celebration then I would recommend a highball, punch or sour.”
And it’s not just Scotch that’s suited to the new year celebrations.
Ryan McFarland of Drinksology Kirker Greer said he favours a Boulevardier featuring Born Irish whiskey, amaro, sweet vermouth and Campari.
“It’s indulgent, balanced, and perfect for toasting the new year.”
