Scotch should almost always be mixed with nothing more than a splash of water, but once you’ve become acquainted with your favorite bottle, there’s nothing wrong with playing around a bit. We asked T.J. Lynch, who tends bar at New York’s Highlands gastropub and its sister restaurant, Mary Queen of Scots, to suggest a couple of single malt cocktails that celebrate the spirit while adding to it some mixological magic.

The Blood and Sand, Highlands Version 3/4 oz single malt Scotch (recommended: 12- to 15-year-old Scotch that’s not heavily peated, such as anCnoc 12) 1/2 oz each Cherry Heering, lemon juice, orange juice Shake and strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with flamed orange peel.

Dram Dirk 1 1/2 oz single malt Scotch 1/2 oz Compass Box Orangerie 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice 1/2 oz chipotle-orange syrup 2 dashes orange bitters Shake and strain into ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with flamed orange peel.