Scotch Marmalade Update

Scotch Marmalade Update

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Five spices, 750 ml of scotch, 30 days and one poorly-fitted lid.

Do you see where this is going?

Our Scotch Marmalade experiment was a success. Or a failure. It all depends on how you look at it. Either way, Diva on a Diet was right when she predicted the results would be “spectacular”.

After a month of steeping star anise, cinnamon, orange peel, vanilla and cardamom in a fine scotch blend, it was time to taste the spoils. We were going to end an Indian-inspired meal with a spice-infused whisky. But two-thirds of our long-anticipated after dinner drink ended up on the carpet when the lid spontaneously released from its collar en route to the table. Words were said. Towels were fetched. And just enough of a taste was saved. (Excuse the use of the passive voice. Believe me, you don’t want me getting too active on this one!)

I have no “after” photo to show you. I have no samples to share. All I have is a feeling of emptiness and a few spices on reserve for the next batch.

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And trust me, there will be a next batch. And a new mason jar with a tight fitting lid.

Andrew, our guests and I all loved the scotch marmalade. While it’s not exactly a summer drink, it is definitely going to be making an appearance again soon. If I’m organized enough I’ll make an extra large batch in time for the holiday season. The spiced whisky was smooth, and warming. The extra vanilla added a lovely caramel undertone and the one star anise (Thanks to whoever suggested I don’t use two) gave a hint of licorice without being overwhelming.

The permutations are endless — perhaps the next version will have a bit of fresh ginger.

Any suggestions of what else we might add to future batches?

No Comments
  • Maggie
    Posted at 11:14h, 29 April

    Interesting idea. I like to put scotch in my seville marmalade when I am getting it ready to bottle. I will give this drink idea a try.

  • Cheryl Arkison
    Posted at 11:25h, 29 April

    I love all those spices, but that seems tragic to do that to a bottle of scotch.
    PS What kind of scotch do you use?

  • Cheryl Arkison
    Posted at 11:25h, 29 April

    I love all those spices, but that seems tragic to do that to a bottle of scotch.
    PS What kind of scotch do you use?

  • cheryl
    Posted at 12:55h, 29 April

    Can I make a joke about scotchguarding your carpet? Or does “scotchguard” not translate into Canada-speak?

  • The Diva on a Diet
    Posted at 13:58h, 29 April

    Oh no! I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. No, cry, definitely cry. I’m so sorry about the scotch soaked carpet, Charmian … even as I’m laughing at Cheryl’s joke.

    Very glad there was enough left to taste and I’m even more excited about trying this now. Will take your suggestion for the tight fitting lid and hope I can be patient enough to wait for the results. I’ve been dying to hear how it turned out. This is my kind of marmalade for sure. Thanks for the update!

  • The Diva on a Diet
    Posted at 13:58h, 29 April

    Oh no! I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. No, cry, definitely cry. I’m so sorry about the scotch soaked carpet, Charmian … even as I’m laughing at Cheryl’s joke.

    Very glad there was enough left to taste and I’m even more excited about trying this now. Will take your suggestion for the tight fitting lid and hope I can be patient enough to wait for the results. I’ve been dying to hear how it turned out. This is my kind of marmalade for sure. Thanks for the update!

  • danamccauley
    Posted at 17:58h, 29 April

    What a tease – just a taste!

    Well, at least you know it’s worth doing it again. And Cheryl, I think you should keep the ‘scotchguard’ jokes under wraps until this wound has time to heal!

  • Christie's Corner
    Posted at 20:34h, 29 April

    Maggie, now that’s what I call marmalade!

    Cheryl, I assure you it was an inexpensive blend, not one of the noble single malts. Whyte and MacKay, I believe.

    Cheryl, I can’t believe I missed that one-liner. Scotchguard indeed! I laughed out loud at that one. It almost made our spill worthwhile. Almost.

    Diva, it was one of those “I can’t believe it” moments. When we retell it, we will use Cheryl’s joke but claim it as our own. And the scotch really was lovely.

    Dana, it was definitely worth doing again. Too bad it takes a good month of steeping.

  • Elyse
    Posted at 01:28h, 05 May

    Wow, that sounds delicious!! So glad everyone enjoyed.