Cold winter days call for comfort, and sometimes that comfort comes in the form of a smooth cocktail. When the air feels crisp and the couch starts calling, it's a great time to mix up something cozy with a good bottle of scotch. We’ve got two excellent blended options that feel completely different in the glass: Monkey Shoulder and Chivas Regal Mizunara. Each one brings its own flavor and feel, which makes playing around with mixed drinks even more fun. Whether you're looking for something simple to sip on movie night or something special to serve over dinner, these two blends give you a starting point for winter-ready cocktails. And if you're looking to buy liquor online, it's easy to get both bottles delivered without leaving your warm living room.
Why Blended Scotch Works Great in Mixed Drinks
Some people think Scotch is just for slow sipping, but blending smooth flavors into a cocktail can take your drink game up a notch. Blended scotch like Monkey Shoulder or Chivas Regal Mizunara is usually softer and more balanced than single malt. That makes it easier to mix, even if you're not used to stirring up whisky drinks.
The good thing about blends is how easy they are to work with.
• They're smooth, which means no one’s getting a harsh or smoky surprise
• Their range of flavor makes each drink a little different based on what you mix in
• They’re friendly for beginners who want something a little bold without going overboard
Whether you're new to Scotch or just want easy drinks that taste good, blended whiskies give you plenty of mix-and-match options with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
Easy Winter Drinks With Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder is smooth with just the right hint of vanilla and spice. It’s got some weight to it, but still plays nice with mixers, which makes it great for cocktails that feel relaxed but still flavorful.
Here are a couple simple winter drink ideas to try:
• Ginger Highball – Fill a glass with ice, pour in 2 oz of Monkey Shoulder, top with ginger ale, and add a squeeze of lime. Easy, fizzy, and great with popcorn and a good movie.
• Hot Apple Cider Scotch – Warm up some apple cider on the stove, stir in 1.5 oz of Monkey Shoulder, and top with a cinnamon stick or apple slice. This one’s great for hanging out with friends on a chilly night.
You don’t have to get fancy. What matters is that it tastes good and fits the mood. Monkey Shoulder is especially fun when you’re not quite ready for strong or smoky drinks, but want more flavor than your usual mixer.
You can find Monkey Shoulder in the whisky selection at Quality Liquor Store, where we often feature exclusive releases and limited-edition bottles for collectors and fans seeking something special.
Chivas Regal Mizunara Twist: East Meets West in Your Glass
Chivas Regal Mizunara stands out because of how it’s finished in Japanese Mizunara oak casks. That little detail adds a soft, slightly sweet wood flavor that sets it apart from most scotch blends. It feels lighter around the edges, but still has depth, which makes it great for winter drinks that feel just a bit more special.
Two simple drinks to mix with Mizunara:
• Citrusy Whisky Sour – Shake 2 oz of Chivas Mizunara, 1 oz lemon juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange peel. This version is bright but still warming.
• Mizunara Highball – Pour 1.5 oz of Chivas Mizunara into a tall glass filled with ice, top with soda water, and drop in a twist of yuzu or lemon. Great with dinner or just to wind down after work.
These drinks feel a bit fancier without requiring any extra effort. If your night calls for something mellow with a little lift, Mizunara usually hits the mark.
We carry a curated range of Chivas products, including the Mizunara edition, and make it easy for our customers to shop for international and rare spirits from our online store.
Flavor Showdown: What to Mix When
Both of these blends bring something different to your bar setup, and that’s part of the fun. Monkey Shoulder leans bold and playful, while Mizunara sits soft and smooth with an easy balance.
Here’s a quick way to pick the right one:
• Choose Monkey Shoulder when you want a stronger flavor that stands up in cocktails like cider or spiced drinks
• Go with Chivas Mizunara when you want a lighter feel, especially in chilled or citrusy drinks
Monkey Shoulder works well when you want to shake things up or make drinks that hang onto a bit of warmth. Mizunara does better in stirred or simple mixes where delicate flavors can shine. If you like to tinker with ingredients, testing both in similar drinks can help you figure out which ones you enjoy more.
Winter-Ready Blends, Delivered to Your Door
You don’t have to search far for well-curated blended Scotch and hard-to-find bottles. At Quality Liquor Store, based in San Diego, California, we have specialized in rare and collectible spirits since 1995 and can ship your favorite blends straight to your doorstep across the U.S. Our team is passionate about helping enthusiasts discover new winter cocktail favorites, whether you’re shopping for a gift or stocking your own bar with celebrated Scotch whiskies.
Explore both blends and stock up for more winter cocktail ideas at Quality Liquor Store
Winter cocktails are always better when you can skip the chill and stock up from home. From smooth blended scotch to crisp mixers that highlight every flavor, it’s easy to get creative with what you have on hand. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend in or mixing for a group, you can buy liquor online anytime. We make it simple to find bottles that fit whatever mood or recipe you have in mind. Count on Quality Liquor Store when you’re ready to try something new and keep the season flavorful.
