Learn About Traditional Drinks Before Your Scottish Cruise

If you enjoy a tipple when you are on holiday and love the idea of exploring a place from the comfort of a luxury barge, a Scottish cruise will be right up your street. This stunning part of the British Isles is not only famous for its incredible scenery, welcoming people and varied wildlife, but also its rich history of alcoholic drinks. 

Almost every corner of Scotland claim to have its own brewed or distilled drink, and many beverages have been produced for hundreds of years. When on a Scottish cruise, you will have the chance to sample an array of the drinks on offer – here is a comprehensive list to get you started and give you an idea of what you’ll enjoy.

Whipkull

Steeped in tradition, this unusual drink that is made from egg yolks, sugar, rum and cream was once served at the breakfast table of Shetland lairds. Best drunk with a square of shortbread on the side, this tipple is a great option for those who enjoy a spot of afternoon tea.

Glasgow Punch

Another rum-based beverage, this punch came about during the time that the city was trading with the West Indies in the nineteenth century. Historically, the punch (concocted using sugar, lemon, lime, rum and water) was served at the Pig Club, the place at which wealthy aristocrats met and networked.

Heather Ale

The authentic recipe for this drink has been lost – it was said that the last man who had the recipe jumped from a cliff to avoid disclosing what was in the liquor! Although these original ingredients will never be truly known, the current recipe still dates back 300 years.

Made from the tops of young heather, malt and hops, the drink was mainly used to flavour other beverages. Today, the Williams Brother Brewery is making a new heather ale, reportedly the only one being produced in the world. Make sure you look out for it when on your Scottish cruise.

Blue Blazer

Combining traditional Scottish whisky with some boiling water, a teaspoon of sugar and a twist of lemon peel, this warming hot toddy is a sipping drink that is sure to keep the colds at bay.

Highland Cordial

Made with the delicious white currents and mixed with lemon rind, ginger essence and whisky, this is a beautiful drink that sings with the flavours of Scotland. After the liquid has been left in an air tight jar for 2 days it is strained and mixed with sugar, then bottled and corked. Once it has been left for three months, it is ready to enjoy.

The list of beverages above will surely whet your appetite for a Scottish cruise. Cruising is definitely a great way to make the most of your time in the region and is a relaxing way to travel too. Traversing the regions of this beautiful country on a boat offers ample opportunity to enjoy a tipple or two while you’re on board.

Author Plate

Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury barge holidays if you’re looking for a relaxing Scottish cruise, or itineraries to a host of other excellent destinations. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.