Scotch and Soda Cocktail Drink

Scotch and Soda

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This Scotch and Soda Drink recipe is perfect for a flavorful cocktail! It’s super easy to make and only requires a handful of ingredients.

Scotch and Soda Recipe

Savor the simplicity of this Scotch and Soda recipe! The Scotch whisky and soda water blend makes this vibrant drink a fall favorite.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

142 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Scotch Whisky
  • 5 oz Club Soda, to top-up
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer

Instructions

  • Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour 2 oz Scotch Whisky over the ice.
  • Top up the glass with about 5 oz Club Soda
  • Using a bar spoon or long stirrer, stir gently to mix.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Scotch Whisky: If you don't have Scotch, use bourbon or rye whiskey. Both will give a different flavor profile but still make a tasty drink.
  • Club Soda: You can substitute club soda with clear, carbonated water like seltzer or sparkling mineral water. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the taste of your drink.

Making a Pitcher of Scotch and Soda:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Scotch whisky and 32 oz of club soda.
  • Mix: Combine the Scotch whisky and club soda in a large pitcher. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Scotch Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky substitute available in some specialty stores and online. They won't replicate the exact taste of Scotch, but they can provide a similar smoky and rich flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Good news for vegans - this drink is already vegan-friendly! Scotch whisky and club soda are both vegan products. Check the labels if you use any substitutes, as some may contain animal-derived ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
142
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
30
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
0.1
g
0
%
Potassium
 
3
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
7
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.02
mg
0
%

 

Scotch and Soda Cocktail Drink

Scotch and Soda Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Savor the simplicity of this Scotch and Soda recipe! The Scotch whisky and soda water blend makes this vibrant drink a fall favorite.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 142

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Scotch Whisky
  • 5 oz Club Soda - to top-up
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Bar spoon or long stirrer

Instructions

  • Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Pour 2 oz Scotch Whisky over the ice.
  • Top up the glass with about 5 oz Club Soda
  • Using a bar spoon or long stirrer, stir gently to mix.
  • Garnish with a lemon twist if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Scotch Whisky: If you don't have Scotch, use bourbon or rye whiskey. Both will give a different flavor profile but still make a tasty drink.
  • Club Soda: You can substitute club soda with clear, carbonated water like seltzer or sparkling mineral water. Just be aware that this may slightly alter the taste of your drink.

Making a Pitcher of Scotch and Soda:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Scotch whisky and 32 oz of club soda.
  • Mix: Combine the Scotch whisky and club soda in a large pitcher. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a lemon twist, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Scotch Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky substitute available in some specialty stores and online. They won't replicate the exact taste of Scotch, but they can provide a similar smoky and rich flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

Good news for vegans - this drink is already vegan-friendly! Scotch whisky and club soda are both vegan products. Check the labels if you use any substitutes, as some may contain animal-derived ingredients.

What is a Scotch and Soda Drink?

A Scotch and Soda Drink is a whisky-based highball cocktail made of Scotch whisky and soda water. This drink is relatively easy to make, as it only requires the two ingredients above in addition to ice. The simplicity of its recipe makes it an easy choice for both novice mixologists and experienced bartenders alike.

The Scotch whisky and soda ratio can be adjusted according to personal preference, making this cocktail versatile enough for various taste profiles. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a variant of any other well-known cocktails; instead, it stands independently due to its straightforward yet satisfying combination.

A side shot of a Scotch and Soda cocktail in a highball glass on a white coaster surrounded by a jigger, a red cloth, a bottle of soda water and Scotch Whisky

What is a Scotch and Soda Drink made of – The ingredients

A Scotch and Soda Drink requires the following ingredients for preparation:

  • Scotch Whisky: This is the drink’s main ingredient, providing a robust and smoky flavor. The type of Scotch used can significantly influence the taste of the cocktail.
  • Club Soda: Used to dilute the Scotch and add some fizziness to the drink. It lightens up the cocktail without altering the flavor of the whisky.
  • Ice Cubes: These are used to chill the drink without diluting it too much. They also help to mellow out the strong flavors of the Scotch.
  • Lemon Peel or Twist (Optional): This adds a hint of citrusy freshness to balance out the smoky and strong flavors of Scotch. It’s not a must, but it can enhance the overall taste of your Scotch and Soda.
  • Highball Glass: While not an ingredient, it’s essential for serving this cocktail. Its tall and narrow shape helps maintain carbonation, while its large capacity allows plenty of room for ice and mixer.

Scotch Whisky and soda laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Scotch and Soda Drink?

Our guide makes it easy to learn how to prepare a Scotch and Soda Drink:

1
<p>Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled throughout the process.</p>

Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes. This will ensure that your drink stays chilled throughout the process.

2
<p>Pour two ounces of your preferred Scotch whisky over the ice. The Scotch whisky is the star of this drink, so choose one you enjoy.</p>

Pour two ounces of your preferred Scotch whisky over the ice. The Scotch whisky is the star of this drink, so choose one you enjoy.

3
<p>Top the glass off with soda water. The amount of soda water you use will depend on your taste preference. If you prefer a stronger drink, use less soda water. If you prefer a lighter drink, fill the rest of the glass with soda water.</p>

Top the glass off with soda water. The amount of soda water you use will depend on your taste preference. If you prefer a stronger drink, use less soda water. If you prefer a lighter drink, fill the rest of the glass with soda water.

4
<p>Stir the drink gently with a bar spoon. This will mix the Scotch whisky and soda water, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the drink.</p>

Stir the drink gently with a bar spoon. This will mix the Scotch whisky and soda water, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the drink.

5
<p>Garnish the drink with a lemon twist. To do this, cut a thin slice of lemon peel, twist it over the glass to release its oils.</p>

Garnish the drink with a lemon twist. To do this, cut a thin slice of lemon peel, twist it over the glass to release its oils.

6
<p>Then, drop it into the drink. This will add a subtle citrus note to your Scotch and Soda.</p>

Then, drop it into the drink. This will add a subtle citrus note to your Scotch and Soda.

Scotch and Soda Variations

Want something similar? Try one of these Scotch and Soda variations:

  • Bobby Burns: Combine Scotch whisky with sweet vermouth and Benedictine. The herbal and slightly sweet notes of Benedictine enhance the depth of Scotch, creating a balanced and sophisticated experience, perfect for sipping slowly.
  • Blood and Sand: Blend Scotch with cherry brandy, sweet vermouth, and orange juice. The cherry brandy adds a fruity sweetness, while the orange juice provides a fresh, citrusy lift. I love how the orange juice brightens the mix, making it refreshing yet rich.
  • Glasgow Mule: Use Scotch instead of vodka, mixed with ginger beer and lime juice. The ginger beer gives it a spicy kick, while the lime juice adds a refreshing tartness. The combination feels both invigorating and warming.
  • Scotch Sour: Mix Scotch whisky with lemon juice and simple syrup, creating a blend of sweet and sour flavors. The lemon juice offers a sharp contrast to the robust Scotch, making it an enjoyable and balanced option.
  • Affinity Cocktail: Combine Scotch whisky with sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and a dash of bitters. The mix of sweet and dry vermouth, along with the bitters, adds layers of complexity to the Scotch. Enjoy a well-rounded and intriguing drink, perfect for those who like a sophisticated experience.
  • Scotch Highball: Pair Scotch whisky with soda water, served over ice. The soda water lightens the intensity of the Scotch, making it a more approachable option. I appreciate the simplicity and elegance of this mix; it’s a straightforward and refreshing way to enjoy Scotch.

History and Origin of the Scotch and Soda Drink

People first mentioned this whisky and soda water mix in the late 1800s. This was when fizzy drinks started to become popular. The soda siphon, invented early in the century, let people enjoy bubbly beverages at home. So, mixing spirits with soda became an everyday thing.

Scotch whisky was one of the most loved spirits back then. Naturally, it found its way into these mixes. The blend of Scotch and soda water was an instant success. The soda water made the strong flavors of the Scotch less harsh, which appealed to those who found it too strong on its own.

A Scotch and Soda cocktail, shot from above, in highball glass on a beige surface surrounded by Scotch Whisky and soda water.

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FAQ

How many calories does a Scotch and Soda drink contain?
A standard serving typically contains around 97 calories. However, this can vary slightly depending on the specific brand of Scotch used.
How strong is a Scotch and Soda cocktail?
The strength of a Scotch and Soda cocktail largely depends on the ratio of Scotch to soda. Generally, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of about 10% and a proof of 20.
What type of alcohol is used in Scotch and Soda?
As the name suggests, a Scotch and Soda cocktail uses Scotch whisky as its primary alcoholic ingredient. The choice of Scotch can greatly influence the flavor profile of the drink.
In what kind of glass is a Scotch and Soda served?
Traditionally, a Scotch and Soda is served in a highball or rocks glass. These glasses are ideal for showcasing the drink's simplicity while allowing room for ice.
What does a Scotch and Soda taste like?
The taste of a Scotch and Soda can vary based on the type of Scotch used. However, generally speaking, it has a robust, smoky flavor from the whisky balanced by the soda water's crispness.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Scotch and Soda?
The typical ratio for the drink is two parts Scotch to three parts soda water. This ratio can be adjusted according to personal preference.
How is a Scotch and Soda served with ice?
A classic way to serve the drink is over ice, often called "on the rocks." This method helps to chill the drink while subtly diluting the whisky, making it smoother.

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