In Defense of the Scotch Mist

Don't let snobbery get in the way of a delicious cocktail

Hear me out. We’re going to take some high-quality blended Scotch, absolutely drown it in crushed ice, and add a lemon peel. What we’re going to get is somehow not just watered down Scotch, but instead something entirely transcendent: the Scotch Mist.

Why should you take perfectly good Scotch and let it disappear in a mountain of ice? Because it tastes good. Real good.

Scotch Mist was Walt Disney’s favorite drink for a reason. It’s complex yet refreshing — the perfect cocktail to sip slowly on the patio at the end of a warm California day. The crushed ice captures both the essence of the Scotch and the bright infusion of the lemon twist, combining both parts into a crisp, delicious whole.

Disney California Adventure’s Carthay Circle Lounge serves it using Johnnie Walker Black Label, but I’d recommend picking up some Monkey Shoulder or Compass Box instead. This drink is a showcase for good blended Scotch, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite.

Scotch Mist

• 1½ oz blended Scotch whisky

• A big pile of crushed ice (nugget ice works well too)

• Lemon peel

Fill an Old Fashioned glass with crushed ice. Add Scotch whisky. Express lemon peel over the ice, and then drop into drink. ☞ Traditional recipe