As the air turns crisp and evenings stretch a little longer, autumn brings with it a harvest of flavour. Few things capture the season better than the scent of freshly picked apples and pears – and what better way to celebrate those flavours than by pairing them with a refined Highland single malt?
The Glengoyne Apple & Pear Sour is an elegant seasonal twist on the classic Whisky Sour, balancing orchard fruits with the rich, layered depth of Glengoyne 15-Year-Old. It’s a cocktail that feels like autumn in a glass: fresh, warming, and luxurious.
The Whisky Behind the Serve
Glengoyne Distillery, nestled on the edge of the Highlands just outside Glasgow, is famed for its unhurried approach to whisky-making. Their 15-Year-Old single malt, matured in a combination of first-fill sherry and bourbon casks, offers a beautiful interplay of depth and delicacy. Expect vibrant fruit notes, gentle oak, and a smooth finish – the perfect base for a cocktail that celebrates balance and seasonality.
Glengoyne isn’t only celebrated for its whisky; it’s also a pioneer in sustainable distilling. From its wetlands system that naturally cleanses water before it flows to Loch Lomond, to renewable energy initiatives and biodiversity efforts on its estate, the distillery is as committed to the environment as it is to quality whisky.
The Glengoyne Apple & Pear Sour Recipe
A fruit-forward interpretation of a classic cocktail, the Apple & Pear Sour is simple to make yet feels indulgent enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 25ml Glengoyne 15-Year-Old
- 25ml Pear Liqueur
- 50ml Good-quality cloudy apple juice
- 25ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Egg white, vegan foamer, or aquafaba
Method
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and dry shake (without ice) to emulsify.
- Add ice and shake vigorously to create a silky foam.
- Double strain into a chilled coupette or Nick & Nora glass.
- Garnish with a sliver of fresh pear dipped in lemon juice for a finishing touch.
The result? A cocktail that bridges the crispness of autumn fruit with the sophistication of a well-aged single malt – both refreshing and indulgent.
Visit Glengoyne
For those who want to experience the distillery behind the whisky, Glengoyne is one of Scotland’s most picturesque and rewarding whisky destinations. Tours start at £22, offering an introduction to Glengoyne’s story and drams, while the £110 Malt Master Experience allows guests to craft their very own single malt – a one-of-a-kind creation to take home.
Glengoyne’s visitor experiences consistently rank among the best in Scotland, making it well worth the short trip from Glasgow for whisky enthusiasts and curious explorers alike.
The Glengoyne Apple & Pear Sour is more than a cocktail – it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, seasonality, and the luxury of slowing down to enjoy the moment. Whether sipped at home by the fire or at the distillery itself, it’s an autumn serve that reminds us why whisky is so much more than just a dram.
