Auld Lang Syne at Culloden

What could be better for New Year’s Eve than a Champagne, or Sparkling Wine cocktail?

We really like the simplicity and tasty goodness of the old Culloden cocktail that is a simple concoction of Drambuie and Sparkling Wine. While we like it, it does not meet the session test, as it is just a bit too sweet. We added a modest dose of fresh lemon juice and a splash of ginger ale (a spicy ginger beer is even better) to add balance. We prefer to use a dry Sparkling Wine in the $10-$15 range as there is no need to use the absolute best bubbly for this cocktail.

The name refers to the historic Scottish battle site, Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie lost a pivotal battle to the English in 1746. In the wake of the defeat Prince Charles Edward Stuart was permitted sanctuary in the Isle of Skye. The legend according to Drambuie suggests that the Prince shared his guarded recipe featuring Malt Whisky, heather, and honey with his host, Captain John MacKinnon. The rest, as they say, is history.