This is a huge year for Scotland. They’re hosting the Commonwealth Games and golf’s Ryder Cup. It’s the year of Homecoming Scotland – an international effort to urge Scots around the world to head back and revisit their roots.
It’s also the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn – the major victory in the Scottish War for Independence. Most modern folk know about that war via Braveheart and the life of William Wallace. But, the Scottish lost that struggle to Edward I at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. In 1314, the Scots armies of Robert Bruce met Edward II near Stirling Castle for the Battle of Bannockburn and won a decisive victory.
Over the centuries, Scotland reentered the Commonwealth and is now a member of the UK. But, there’s still a lot of that free spirit knocking around the Highlands as the country prepares for a September vote on whether the Scots want to remain part of Great Britain.
Laphroaig Scotch invites you to raise a glass to all of that Scottish fighting spirit with a cocktails recipe — the Affinity. While you mix up one of those, keep in mind we’ll be reviewing the new, high-tech Battle of Bannockburn Centre Experience for our travel coverage later this month.
Laphroaig Affinity
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 parts Laphroaig Quarter Cask Scotch Whisky
- 1⁄2 part Sweet Vermouth
- 1⁄2 part Dry Vermouth
- 2-3 dashes Orange Bitters
Preparation: Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.
