Ingredients
- .5 tsp Ginger (grated)
- 3 slices Orange(s)
- 15 ml Lemon Juice
- 30 ml Triple Sec
- 50 ml Scotch Whiskey
Instructions
Crush Ginger and Orange:
- Pour the grated ginger and orange slices into a shaker and crush them to release their flavors.
Add Liquids:
- Add 15 ml lemon juice, 30 ml triple sec, and 50 ml Scotch whiskey to the shaker.
Shake:
- Thoroughly shake the mixture to combine all the ingredients.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into your cocktail glass filled with ice.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your We Do Not Sow Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This particular drink is a contemporary creation, almost certainly conceived in the wake of the Game of Thrones phenomenon. Its name directly references the motto of House Greyjoy, a prominent family in the series. Given the specific combination of Scotch, orange, lemon, and ginger, it’s a modern interpretation rather than a classic with a long bar history.
At its core, the We do not Sow Cocktail is a variation on the whisky sour family. It shares DNA with drinks like the Penicillin, which combines Scotch, lemon, honey, and ginger, or even a Gold Rush with bourbon, lemon, and honey. What sets this drink apart is the specific inclusion of Triple Sec for a sweet orange note and the direct muddling of fresh orange and ginger, providing a more rustic, immediate flavor profile.
You’d typically encounter or serve this drink at themed events, like a Game of Thrones viewing party, or at a bar that prides itself on creative, pop culture inspired cocktails. It’s also a solid choice for a home bartender looking to impress guests with something a bit more adventurous than a standard mixed drink.
What it tastes like
The initial sip hits with a bright, tart acidity from the lemon, quickly followed by the sweet, zesty orange and a warming, spicy bite from the fresh ginger. As it settles, the robust, often smoky or malty character of the Scotch whiskey comes through, providing a solid backbone. The finish is a pleasing blend of lingering citrus and a gentle ginger warmth, with the Scotch notes receding smoothly.
This cocktail measures around 27% ABV. To put that in perspective, it’s significantly stronger than a standard beer, which typically hovers around 5% ABV. It’s also on the higher end for a shaken cocktail, often comparable to a strong Old Fashioned or a robust Martini, so it definitely packs a punch.
The technique
Building this drink starts with getting the most out of your fresh ingredients. Muddle the grated ginger and orange slices firmly in your shaker to release their essential oils and juices, but don’t pulverize them. After that, add your measured liquids and plenty of ice. A thorough, hard shake is crucial here to chill and properly dilute the drink, ensuring all those flavors are well integrated. Finally, a double strain into an ice-filled glass will keep any stray ginger bits or orange pulp out of your final pour.
The most critical technique here is the muddling. If you skip a proper muddle, or do it too lightly, you won’t extract enough of the fresh ginger’s spice or the orange’s zest and juice. This leaves the drink tasting flat and unbalanced, missing the vibrant fresh notes that are essential to its character. Don’t be shy, give those ingredients a good crush.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Scotch Whiskey
- Use
- A blended Scotch works well here, like Johnnie Walker Red Label or Famous Grouse. If you prefer a more pronounced peat smoke, a lighter Islay or an island malt can add complexity, but avoid anything too heavily peated as it might overwhelm the citrus and ginger.
- Skip
- Don’t reach for your most expensive single malt. The fresh fruit and ginger will mask its nuances, making it a waste. Also, avoid anything labeled ‘whiskey liqueur’ as it often contains added sugars and artificial flavors.
- Why
- Scotch is the backbone, providing the drink’s spirit and a distinct malty or smoky character that contrasts beautifully with the bright citrus and sharp ginger. It defines the drink’s personality.
Triple Sec
- Use
- A decent quality Triple Sec like Cointreau or Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao will provide a clean, bitter orange sweetness without being cloying. Even a standard bar-shelf Triple Sec is fine, just ensure it’s not overly syrupy.
- Skip
- Orange liqueurs that are too sweet or artificially flavored will throw the balance off. Avoid anything that tastes like orange candy. Also, don’t substitute with an orange bitter, it won’t provide the necessary sweetness.
- Why
- Triple Sec adds a crucial layer of sweet orange complexity and just enough sugar to balance the tart lemon and the bite of the ginger, rounding out the drink’s profile without making it overly sweet.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Iron Islands Sour
- Swap the base spirit for a deeper, darker profile.
- Substitute the Scotch with a peated Islay whisky for a more intense, smoky character, leaning into the harshness implied by the Greyjoy motto. Keep the other ingredients the same.
Kraken’s Kiss
- A spicier, more aromatic take with an extra kick.
- Add a dash of Angostura bitters to the shaker for added complexity and spice. You can also rim the glass with a pinch of smoked salt for an oceanic, savory edge.
Salt Throne Spritz
- A lighter, effervescent version for a longer drink.
- After straining into your ice-filled glass, top the cocktail with a splash of soda water or sparkling wine to lengthen it and add a refreshing fizz.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a dash of ginger liqueur or a very small amount of ginger syrup for a similar spice note, though the fresh, sharp bite will be less pronounced.
Use a few dashes of orange bitters and a splash more Triple Sec, or muddle a large orange peel to extract some zest. The fresh muddled fruit character will be diminished.
Lime juice can work in a pinch, but it will shift the flavor profile to be more tart and less bright. Adjust sweetness if needed.
A different orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier is an excellent substitute. If no orange liqueur is available, a simple syrup with a few dashes of orange bitters could provide some sweetness and orange essence, but the depth will be lost.
A good quality Irish whiskey or even a robust bourbon could stand in, though the overall flavor profile will change significantly, losing the distinct Scotch character.
A sturdy jar with a tight-fitting lid can work. Ensure you can muddle effectively inside it. Just be careful when shaking and opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a We do not Sow Cocktail?
A We do not Sow Cocktail contains Scotch whiskey, Triple Sec, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange slices, and grated ginger.
Is the We do not Sow Cocktail sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness from the Triple Sec and muddled orange, offset by the tart lemon and the spicy ginger. It’s not overly sweet, leaning more towards a refreshing sour.
What kind of Scotch works best?
A blended Scotch or a lighter, non-heavily peated single malt is ideal. You want something with character but not so dominant that it overwhelms the fresh fruit and ginger.
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
It’s best made fresh to capture the vibrancy of the muddled orange and ginger. However, you could pre-batch the Scotch, Triple Sec, and lemon juice, then muddle the fresh ingredients and combine just before serving.
What’s the best way to grate ginger?
Use a microplane or a fine grater for the best results. This ensures you get maximum flavor and a fine texture that blends well into the drink.
Do I need to strain the drink?
Yes, straining is recommended to remove the muddled ginger fibers and orange pulp, resulting in a smoother, cleaner drinking experience. A fine mesh strainer over your glass works best.
What glass should I use?
A rocks glass or an Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice is the standard serving vessel for this type of drink. A highball glass can also work if you prefer a longer drink.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely. Use less grated ginger for a milder drink, or add a bit more if you prefer a more pronounced ginger kick. Taste as you go if you’re experimenting.
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