Cocktails crafted to offer a unique narrative, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty and the profound interconnectedness of life

Scotland, 2024: Bompas & Parr were thrilled to collaborate with The Macallan in crafting bespoke cocktail recipes that brought Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT to life at The Macallan Estate. This enchanting experience seamlessly blended The Macallan’s unrivaled whisky craftsmanship with Cirque du Soleil’s breathtaking artistry and performance. The result was an unforgettable evening that etched itself into the legacy of The Macallan Estate.

"The creative concept is bringing all the various elements together with the ultimate aim of telling this very powerful story, inspired by the highlands, The Macallan Estate and the River Spey."– Susan Gaudreau, Show Director, Cirque du Soleil

Bompas & Parr are thrilled to reveal the recipes for the exceptional cocktails that graced this singular, sensory celebration of the natural world: Ayla, Davonna, Peacock, and Andalusia. Each cocktail offered a unique narrative, capturing the essence of nature’s beauty and the profound interconnectedness of life.

“Working with The Macallan to craft the cocktails for Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT was an extraordinary journey of creativity and storytelling. We sought to capture the magic of the performance and the natural beauty that inspired it, blending flavours and colours that mirrored the narrative arc of each character. It was about more than just creating drinks – it was about evoking emotion and crafting an unforgettable sensory experience. Seeing guests connect with the story through each sip was truly enchanting.” – Robert Smith, Creative Director, Bompas & Parr

The Recipes: Ayla

Ayla is the protagonist of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT. A young colourist, she discovers the true colours of nature and her own purpose under the guidance of Davonna, the fierce spiritual guardian of the Scottish Highlands.

This is a fresh and fruity highball that starts as a clinical white serve, transformed by the addition of natural ingredients and whisky, revealing a stunning shade of red.

The Recipes: Davonna

The fierce spiritual guardian, Davonna guides Ayla through the Scottish Highlands in Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT. She unlocks the secrets of nature's balance and imparting her celestial wisdom, ultimately recognizing Ayla as her potential successor.

A bright, golden-coloured drink served over an ice sphere. With notes of ripe peach, honey and spice, this serve tells the story of Nature's breadth of flavours and textures.

The Recipes: Peacock

Keeper of the hidden gift, the Peacock responds to Andalousia's dance in Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT, finally unveiling the elusive red shade concealed within its magnificent tail and marking Ayla's triumphant quest. The peacock is a symbol of Natural Colour for The Macallan, celebrating the spectrum of colours found across our Collections.

A Julep-inspired drink, this cocktail is best served in an elegant, tall and textured glass. Flamboyant colours are revealed in the making of the serve, creating a rich yet delicate drink with a touch of stone fruit sweetness.

The Recipes: Andalousia

In Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT, Andalousia's dancing flamenco mastery unveils the Peacock's secret through a powerful dance, convincing the elusive bird to reveal the shimmering red hidden within its tail.

Bright and fresh, this is a whisky sour with a twist, containing floral bitter orange. This is a serve that appears all white (glassware and foamy top), revealing a touch of red colour inside the glass when sipped.