Unusual Suspects
The Unusual Suspects is an intriguing and complex cocktail that masterfully balances the rich maltiness of blended Scotch with the bright, bittersweet character of Aperol. A bold float of peated Islay Scotch provides a captivating smoky aroma, which is lifted by the sharp acidity of fresh lemon juice. This drink is a sophisticated sour, perfect for those who appreciate bold, layered flavors and a departure from more traditional whiskey cocktails.
Preparation
Preparation time: 4 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Unusual Suspects is categorized as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks, defined by its inclusion of citrus juice. Its use of contemporary ingredients and creation in the modern craft cocktail era solidifies its status.
Serving
Served 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass, this is a spirit-forward but refreshing cold drink with a moderate alcohol content.
Serving size
Approximately 120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Estimated 25-28% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
Created by bartender Stephen Cole, the Unusual Suspects is a clever riff on the Paper Plane cocktail. Cole swapped the bourbon for blended Scotch and the Amaro Nonino for Aperol, then added a smoky kick with a quarter-ounce of Laphroaig. The drink gained popularity within online cocktail communities as an excellent and balanced showcase for peated Scotch in a sour format.
Origin
This is a modern cocktail created in the United States during the craft cocktail revival of the 2010s. Its invention is credited to bartender Stephen Cole.
Unusual Suspects
The drink is consistently known as the "Unusual Suspects," often credited to its creator, Stephen Cole, to distinguish it from other cocktails. There are no widely accepted alternative names for this specific recipe.
Original name
Unusual Suspects
Alternative name
Stephen Cole's Unusual Suspects
Characteristics overview
This drink has a pronounced smoky and peaty aroma leading to a complex flavor profile that is simultaneously sour, bitter, and smoky. It has a smooth texture and a long, warming aftertaste, presenting as a hazy apricot-colored liquid.
Flavor
Smoky, peaty, bittersweet, citrusy, complex, malty
Aroma
Peat smoke, orange, lemon zest, iodine, malty grain
Taste balance
Sour, bitter, smoky
Aftertaste
Long, warming, smoky, clean bitterness
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Hazy pale orange, apricot, light amber
Texture
Smooth, crisp, clean
Seasonality
Boldly refreshing, suitable year-round, particularly fitting for autumn and winter
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is led by a strong sourness and moderate bitterness, with a distinct smoky character from the peated Scotch. It has low sweetness and fruitiness, and no creaminess or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need a blended Scotch as the base, Aperol for bitterness, fresh lemon juice for sourness, and a peated Islay Scotch for a distinct smoky aroma.
- Blended Scotch Whisky45 ml / 1.5 ozA good quality, smooth blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder or Famous Grouse works well.
- Aperol22.5 ml / 0.75 ozProvides the characteristic bittersweet orange and herbal notes.
- Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozMust be freshly squeezed for best results.
- Peated Islay Scotch Whisky7.5 ml / 0.25 ozLaphroaig 10 Year is classic, but Ardbeg or Lagavulin can also be used for that smoky finish.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
This is a shaken drink, requiring a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, and both a Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer for a smooth texture.
- Cocktail shaker to chill and combine the ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
- Hawthorne strainer to separate ice from the liquid.
- Fine-mesh strainer to remove small ice chips.
Instructions
To make this drink, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake well until chilled, and then double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an expressed lemon twist.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Pour the blended Scotch, Aperol, fresh lemon juice, and peated Islay Scotch into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside is frosted and cold.
5. Double strain the contents of the shaker through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Take a fresh lemon peel, twist it over the surface of the drink to express the citrus oils, and then drop it into the glass as garnish.
Garnishing
A simple lemon twist is the perfect garnish, as its bright citrus oils complement the drink's aroma without overpowering the smoky notes.
- Lemon twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils, then dropped in.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is alcoholic and caffeine-free. It contains no dairy, egg, soy, nuts, or gluten, and is considered suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
Per serving, this cocktail contains a moderate amount of calories, around 190 kcal, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates, most of which are sugars from the Aperol.
Calories
Averagely 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 10 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 9 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is ideal for a sophisticated cocktail hour or as a contemplative after-dinner drink. It's also an excellent choice for impressing guests who are fans of Scotch whisky.
- Cocktail Hour
- Sophisticated Gatherings
- After Dinner Drink
- Whisky Tasting Events
Pairing suggestions
The smoky and bitter notes of the Unusual Suspects pair wonderfully with salty and savory foods. Try it with a charcuterie board, sharp cheeses, smoked nuts, or even briny oysters to complement its complex flavor profile.
- Smoked almonds or other salty nuts
- Sharp cheddar or aged gouda cheese
- Charcuterie board with salami or prosciutto
- Oysters
Unusual Suspects: A Modern Smoky Masterpiece
The Unusual Suspects is a bold and balanced modern classic that beautifully marries the worlds of blended and peated Scotch whisky. Its structure as a sour, complemented by the bittersweet quality of Aperol, makes it both refreshing and deeply complex. It's an excellent choice for an adventurous drinker looking for something beyond a standard whisky sour. The interplay of smoke, citrus, and bitter orange creates a memorable drinking experience that is sophisticated and satisfying.
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