So we have all probably had Drambui at some point, either in a cocktail or as a shot. Simply put it is an herbal Scotch liqueur that is light, sweet and spicy. Why would you want to make your own? Because this recipe is really tasty and will blow your friends minds. I am that serious.
Drambuie is made with Chivas Regal. In my many tests, I found using a very bold and smoky Scotch like Johnnie Walker along with a sweeter than usual wildflower honey was definitely the way to go.
I have tried many many recipes, the best is from Classic Liqueurs.
2 750ml Johnnie Walker Red (Black if you can)
3 cups wildflower honey
4 tsp. dried chopped angelica root
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed
4 2\” strips lemon zest
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Combine all ingredients in a large jar. Cover tightly and shake gently several times during the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, remove the lemon zest. Cover again and let stand in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking gently every other day.
Strain through a wire strainer to remove the angelica root and fennel. Return to container and let stand undisturbed in a cool dark place for 6 months. I made this a double batch for 2 reasons, first honey tends to leave to leave a murky deposit on the bottom quarter of the batch. This is completely harmless and absolutely drinkable, so save the pretty bottle with clear liquid for your friends and drink the rest. Secondly, this is REALLY good, and if you are going wait 6 months you might as well make enough to be worthwhile.
A few more notes about this recipe. I found the most smokey peaty scotch (not necessarily expensive either) and the sweetest honey made for the best liqueur. The smoke and sweet and herbal flavors become one in a way you won\’t understand until you try it. I gave away 4 bottles as gifts to friends this year, and they all were simply blown away by the flavor combination, especially since you can still taste the Scotch. Sweet smokey honey with and herbal twist. I also used local honey from Bee Local. Lastly angelica root isn\’t something you might easily find so you may want to order it online.