Drambuie is a very famous whisky liqueur made with Scotch whisky, heather and herbs and spices. Produced in West Lothian, Scotland, Drambuie offers flavours such as anise, nutmeg and saffron.
Drambuie is a historic and popular Scottish whisky liqueur made from a secret blend of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey, herbs, and spices. Its name is derived from the Scots Gaelic phrase “An Dram Buidheach,” which translates to “The Drink that Satisfies”.
Key Characteristics
- Flavor Profile: Drambuie offers a complex, rich, and smooth taste, balancing the warmth of the whisky with pronounced notes of honey, herbal undertones, saffron, vanilla, and various spices like cloves, anise, and nutmeg.
- Alcohol Content: It has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%, which is relatively high for a liqueur.
- History: The recipe’s origins are steeped in legend, purportedly given to a member of the MacKinnon clan by Bonnie Prince Charlie (Prince Charles Edward Stuart) in 1745 as a token of gratitude for sanctuary during his flight after the Jacobite uprising.
- Production: The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, with only a few people in the world knowing the precise proportions. The brand is currently owned by William Grant & Sons.
How to Enjoy Drambuie
Drambuie is a versatile spirit, often enjoyed in several ways:
- Neat or on the Rocks: It can be sipped on its own, either straight or over ice, as a digestif after a meal.
- In Cocktails: It is a key ingredient in many cocktails, most famously the Rusty Nail, which simply combines Drambuie with Scotch whisky, often with a lemon twist.
- With Mixers: It pairs well with coffee, ginger ale, or soda water, creating various refreshing or warming long drinks.
- In Cooking: The liqueur can also be incorporated into desserts like trifles or used in marinades and sauces for meats.
Drambuie is a cultural icon of Scotland, appreciated for its unique taste, rich history, and versatility in both sipping and mixing.



