Whisky Mac
A whisky mac is a simple Scotch and green ginger wine drink with a warm, spicy edge. Serve it over ice for an easy aperitif, or stir it without ice for a cozy nightcap.
- Total time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 2 drinks
- Difficulty
- Easy
Prep 5mCook 0mScottishDrinks
The whisky mac, short for whisky macdonald, is a classic two-ingredient drink made with Scotch whisky and green ginger wine. It is especially well known in Scotland and the United Kingdom, where ginger wine brings sweetness, heat, and a gentle herbal note.
You can build this drink right in the glass. A 2-to-1 mix of whisky to ginger wine keeps it spirit-forward without losing the ginger’s warmth. If you prefer a sweeter, softer drink, use equal parts instead.
Serve a whisky mac over ice when you want something refreshing, or skip the ice and stir it in a small glass for a traditional fireside feel.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
4 items · 2 drinks
- 4 fluid ounces blended Scotch whisky
- 2 fluid ounces green ginger wine, such as Stone’s
- Ice cubes, optional
- 2 lemon twists, optional, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glasses
Place two small rocks glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes if you have time. This is optional, but a cold glass helps the drink taste crisp, especially if you serve it without ice.
2. Add the ice
Fill each glass halfway with ice, if using. For a warmer, more traditional nightcap, leave the glasses empty and build the drink neat, which means without ice.
3. Pour the whisky
Add 2 fluid ounces of Scotch whisky to each glass. A blended Scotch works well here because it is smooth, affordable, and lets the ginger wine stand out.
4. Add the ginger wine
Pour 1 fluid ounce of green ginger wine into each glass. This gives a balanced 2-to-1 drink. For a sweeter version, add up to 2 fluid ounces ginger wine per glass.
5. Stir gently
Stir each drink for about 10 seconds. Stirring blends the spirits and, if you used ice, lightly chills and dilutes the drink.
6. Garnish and serve
Twist a strip of lemon peel over each glass to release its oils, then drop it in or rest it on the rim. Serve right away.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Do not mix a whisky mac far in advance if you plan to serve it over ice, because it will water down. You can pre-measure the whisky and ginger wine into a small bottle and chill it for a few hours, then pour to serve.
- Storage: Once mixed, cover and refrigerate any extra without ice for up to 2 days. Stir before serving. The flavor will be fine, though the drink is best freshly made.
- Ratio swap: Use 1:1 whisky and ginger wine for a sweeter, lower-alcohol-tasting drink. Use 3:1 for a drier drink with more Scotch character.
- Whisky choice: Blended Scotch is the usual choice. A very smoky Scotch can overpower the ginger wine, so use it only if you enjoy peat smoke.
- No green ginger wine: A ginger liqueur can work, but it is often sweeter and stronger in flavor. Start with half the amount, taste, then add more if needed.
- Serving style: Over ice is brighter and more refreshing. Neat is stronger, warmer, and better for slow sipping.
Cook's note
Nutrition is estimated for one drink made with 2 fluid ounces Scotch whisky and 1 fluid ounce green ginger wine. Values vary by brand, especially for ginger wine, which can differ in sugar and alcohol content.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What is a whisky mac?
A whisky mac is a simple cocktail made with Scotch whisky and green ginger wine. The name is short for whisky macdonald. It is usually served either over ice or neat in a small glass.
What ratio should I use for a whisky mac?
A common balanced ratio is 2 parts whisky to 1 part ginger wine. If you like a sweeter drink, use equal parts. If you want a stronger whisky flavor, use 3 parts whisky to 1 part ginger wine.
Can I make a whisky mac with bourbon or Irish whiskey?
Yes, though it will not taste quite the same. Bourbon makes it sweeter and rounder. Irish whiskey makes it smooth and light. Scotch gives the drink its classic flavor.
Is ginger wine the same as ginger beer?
No. Ginger wine is an alcoholic, sweet, fortified-style drink flavored with ginger. Ginger beer is fizzy and much lower in alcohol or nonalcoholic. Ginger beer will make a different, longer drink.
Should a whisky mac be served hot?
It is usually served at room temperature or over ice, not hot. For a cozy version, use a room-temperature glass and skip the ice.
05Per serving
Nutrition facts
Nutrition Facts
2 drinks
Amount per serving
% Daily Value*
- Total Fat0 g
- 0%
- Saturated Fat0 g
- 0%
- Cholesterol0 mg
- 0%
- Sodium1 mg
- 0%
- Total Carbohydrate8 g
- 3%
- Dietary Fiber0 g
- 0%
- Total Sugars8 g
- Protein0 g
- 0%
- Vitamin D0 mcg
- 0%
- Calcium1 mg
- 0%
- Iron0 mg
- 0%
- Potassium6 mg
- 0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
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