Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (2024)

By

Colleen Graham

Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (1)

Freelance writer and co*cktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.

Learn about The Spruce Eats'Editorial Process

Updated on 08/25/22

Tested by

Sean Michael Johnson

Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (2)

Sean is an award-winning bartender with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is the head bartender at the two-Michelin-star restaurant, Gabriel Kreuther, crafting co*cktail menus that have caught international attention. To date, he has made over 1 million co*cktails, and counting.

Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (3)

Prep: 3 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total: 3 mins

Serving: 1 serving

Yield: 1 co*cktail

88 ratings

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
139Calories
0g Fat
0g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition LabelHide Full Nutrition Label

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories139
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g0%
Saturated Fat 0g0%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 2mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 25mg2%
Iron 0mg0%
Potassium 1mg0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

The name Scotch and soda tells you everything you need to know about this popular co*cktail. While it is a very simple Scotch whisky drink, there are a few ways to improve it and customize it to suit your taste.

Adding still water to whisky opens up the liquor's flavor, and club sodawill do the same. It also brings in a little effervescence to make it even more invigorating. The amount of soda is really up to you; some people prefer it in an old-fashioned glass while others like this drink as a highball. In terms of taste, a few ounces make a big difference: If you want a flavorful drink, go with a short pour of soda; for a softer drink, opt for the long pour.

The concept here is to water down Scotch without destroying the flavors of the whisky. In the process, you're making a longer-lasting, smoother, and more refreshing drink. Without a doubt, it's one of the easiest ways to dress up yourfavorite Scotch.

0:21

ClickPlaytoSeeThis Scotch and Soda Recipe Come Together

"It might be befuddling to understand why Scotch and soda is the world’s most popular highball until you have one. Lighter floral, citrus, and dried fruit notes glide across the tongue in a well-made Scotch and soda. Use this recipe as a guide to finding your favorite Scotch and a highball that defines your day." —Sean Johnson

Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (4)

A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces Scotch whisky

  • 1 to 6 ounces club soda, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (5)

  2. In a highball or old-fashioned glass filled with ice, pour the Scotch.

    Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (6)

  3. Top with the club soda and stir well. Serve and enjoy.

    Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (7)

Tips

  • For the best Scotch and soda, be selective about which brand of soda you choose. A high-quality, craft club soda tends to have a cleaner profile and is a really nice complement to a decent Scotch.
  • When serving it short, consider using anice ball or large cube. These willmelt slower than smallercubes and prolong the drink's full flavor.

Recipe Variation

The two styles are very similar in taste, so switch from Scotch to Japanese whisky. In Japan, the highball drink is preferred. It's typically 1 1/2 ounces of whisky stirred with ice (often a long hand-carved cube) then topped with 4 to 5 ounces of soda.

What's the Best Scotch for a Scotch and Soda?

From blended to single malts, any Scotch whisky can be used in a Scotch and soda, and it's a fantastic option when exploring new-to-you bottles. The beauty of this drink is that you can easily tailor it to fit the whisky you're pouring at the moment. For instance, when you have a great single malt, add just a splash of premium soda, but for a casual happy hour, choose an affordable blended whisky and fill a tall glass with soda.

What Soda Goes Good With Scotch?

Clear, unsweetened sodas are preferred in a Scotch and soda. Club soda is the easiest choice, though plain soda water out of a soda maker is excellent as well. Sparkling water tends to be less carbonated but is a good option. That said, ginger ale is commonly paired with whiskey in highballs, lemon-lime sodas add a sweet citrus spin, and Scotch and cola is a popular drink throughout Europe. Try different Scotches and other styles of whiskeys with various sodas to find your personal favorites for different moods.

How Strong Is the Scotch and Soda?

The Scotch to soda ratio is a variable that will factor into the actual alcohol content of your drink. If your whisky is 80 proof (Scotch varies greatly), one made with 1 ounce of soda will fall in the 23 percent ABV (46 proof) range. Pouring 4 ounces of soda will easily cut that in half.

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Learn the Tricks to a Great Scotch and Soda (2024)

FAQs

Why add a drop of water to whiskey? ›

More precisely: a recent study by chemists at the University of Sweden showed that adding water to whiskey boosts the concentration of flavour compounds at the surface of the drink, bringing more of those rich aromatics to the nose as we sip.

Why is Scotch and Soda so good? ›

Adding still water to whisky opens up the liquor's flavor, and club soda will do the same. It also brings in a little effervescence to make it even more invigorating. The amount of soda is really up to you; some people prefer it in an old-fashioned glass while others like this drink as a highball.

What soda is best for Scotch? ›

co*ke. Probably the most popular drink to mix with whiskey is Coca-Cola. It adds a good amount of sweetness to the drink, with some depth of flavors. For a perfect pairing, combine three parts cola with one part whiskey in a highball glass.

What is the oldest magic trick? ›

The first ever recorded magic trick was historically recorded as being performed by a Magician called Dedi. The trick he performed was the cups and balls magic trick and the images were found on pyramids in Egypt around 2,700 BC.

What is scotch with water called? ›

On the Rocks – This simply means that whiskey will be served with ice. Whiskey with Water – This is just it – whiskey with water. This helps in improving the taste of your whiskey to your liking. It's best to try and taste the whiskey first if it needs water.

What is whiskey with water called? ›

For example, "bourbon and branch" refers to bourbon whiskey with water.

What is difference between neat and straight up? ›

The term “up” refers to any drink that is shaken, stirred, or combined with ice and therefore chilled, but it is served without ice. This is different from ordering a whiskey “neat”. Ordering a whiskey “up” tells the bartender that you would like the whiskey chilled, but do not want to have ice in your glass.

Is Scotch and Soda high end? ›

Known for casual yet high-end clothing and accessories for men and women, the chain's spring line boasts bright colors and light, breathable fabrics.

What glass is best for Scotch and Soda? ›

Unlike the Gin & Tonic—which benefits from the use of alternative glassware—the Scotch & Soda should only be made in a Highball glass. Structured similarly to a Champagne flute, a Highball allows the essence of the drink to travel upwards on the bubbles.

Will my stomach shrink if I stop drinking soda? ›

Are you looking for a way to lose abdominal fat? Patrick Friedli, MD, the medical director of Munson's Healthy Weight Center, may have one of the simplest ways to shed a few pounds: Eliminate sugary beverages from your diet. Yes, that means you should quit drinking pop.

What is Scotch and co*ke called? ›

On January 12, 2016, Food and Beverage magazine said they had officially named the Jack and co*ke combination "The Lemmy".

Why is it called Scotch and Soda? ›

As it turns out, the name was inspired by a simple coin trick. “When I was first approached by the owners to join the company four years ago, I checked about the name. They told me it came from one of the most basic, classic magician's tricks," says chief executive officer (CEO) Dirk-Jan Stoppelenburg.

Is Scotch the same as whiskey? ›

Scotch vs Whiskey

Scotch is whisky - but without the e. The reason it is called Scotch is basically geographical. Like that famous sparkling white wine that can only be called champagne if it actually comes from the region of Champagne, Scotch is whiskey made in Scotland.

What is the most famous trick? ›

The Greatest Magic Tricks of All Time...
  • David Copperfield makes the Statue of Liberty vanish. ...
  • Penn & Teller Catching Bullets. ...
  • Harry Houdini's Chinese Water Torture Trick. ...
  • David Blaine: Above The Below. ...
  • Dynamo Walks On Water.
Jan 4, 2018

Who is the first magic Man? ›

Magic has a long and varied history and has captivated and enthralled people for over 2,500 years. The first recorded magic act was by the magician Dedi who performed his tricks in Ancient Egypt in 2,700 B.C. He is credited with the first cups and balls magic trick.

What are the 8 types of magic? ›

In most approaches to arcane theory, magic of all kinds, be it arcane, divine or from some other source, can be classified as being part of one of eight types, or schools. The eight schools are abjuration, conjuration, divination, enchantment, evocation, illusion, necromancy, and transmutation.

How do you shotgun a soda fast? ›

Shotgunning is a means of consuming a beverage, especially beer, very quickly by punching a hole in the side of the can, near the bottom, placing the mouth over the hole, and pulling the tab to open the top. The beverage quickly drains, and is quickly consumed.

How do you do the no soda challenge? ›

Make a plan to eliminate added sugar

The American Heart Association endorses a campaign known as No Soda November. Take it as a challenge. If you need incentive, consider this: Replacing just 12 ounces of soda with 12 ounces of water each day, you'll cut more than 50,000 calories in a year. That's 15 pounds.

What are the 4 types of scotch? ›

There are five Scotch Whisky regions - Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside.

What liquor did cowboys drink? ›

Cowboys never had a reputation for being very sophisticated connoisseurs. The whiskey they drank was simply fuel for the saloons' many other pastimes, whatever those happened to be. Quality and flavor among whiskies in the late 1800s varied widely.

What is a scotch Sommelier called? ›

A whiskey sommelier, or whisky sommelier, is a trained and knowledgeable whiskey expert who makes your whiskey more enjoyable. A whiskey sommelier does this by making recommendations as well as whiskey and food pairings. Every aspect of presentation is used by a whisky sommelier to enhance your whiskey experience.

What is it called when you drop a shot of whiskey into a beer? ›

A boilermaker can refer to two types of beer co*cktail. In American terminology, the drink consists of a glass of beer mixed with a shot of whiskey.

What is it called when you put whiskey in coffee? ›

Irish coffee (Irish: caife Gaelach) is a caffeinated alcoholic drink consisting of Irish whiskey, hot coffee and sugar, which has been stirred and topped with cream (sometimes cream liqueur).

Why does bourbon not give me a hangover? ›

According to the study, bourbon, which is aged in oak barrels, has 37 times as many congeners as vodka, which is heavily filtered to remove impurities.

What does dirty mean in a drink? ›

The term 'dirty' means that olive brine, usually from a jar of co*cktail olives, has been added to the drink. An olive garnish is typically assumed, too. Most bars add equal parts vermouth and brine, though you can specify 'extra dirty' or 'filthy' if you prefer more brine.

What does drink 3 fingers mean? ›

Three fingers of whiskey are pretty much the same concept as one finger. You will fill the glass to the height equal to the width of your three fingers. It measures roughly three ounces or two shots of distilled spirit.

What does on the rocks with a twist mean? ›

"With a twist" signals the bartender to add a "twist" of the zest of a citrus fruit (bar choice, if unspecified) to the co*cktail. Often, the bartender will hang the rind of the citrus on the glass as a garnish (see martini photo above).

Is Scotch and Soda made in China? ›

We produce in 14 countries, working with a number of factories in each area. Our main production countries are China, India and Turkey.

Who wears Scotch and Soda? ›

The range of the demographic for this brand is across the spectrum. You see, Scotch & Soda is very well-liked by adolescents, millennials as well as the over 50 market segment. Moreover, that broad demographic has seen revenue exceed expectations by far.

Can you put co*ke in Scotch? ›

Scotch and co*ke is a popular night club drink in many southern European countries, and it's normally a J&B or Ballantine's and co*ke, not just any old Scotch. Brand loyalty is strong whether Scotch is mixed or served straight.

Why does soda in glass bottles taste better? ›

For example, aluminum cans are lined with a polymer that can absorb small amounts of flavor and plastic bottles may transfer acetaldehyde that can alter the way a drink tastes. Glass is a more inert material than either aluminum or plastic, so it's less likely to affect the flavor of your drink.

What is the difference between soda-lime glass and float glass? ›

Soda-lime glass is also commonly referred to as “float glass,” because of its ability to be floated. Because of its low softening temperature, soda-lime glass is often formed by floating on a bed of molten tin, creating low-cost, optically clear glass sheets.

Why is it called a Nick and Nora glass? ›

History. The glass was named by bartender Dale DeGroff for Nick and Nora Charles, a pair of fictional detectives. DeGroff was hired to lead the bar program at the Rainbow Room restaurant in New York City in 1987. There he made a list of classic and forgotten pre-Prohibition co*cktails.

What happens after a week of not drinking? ›

After a week without alcohol, you may find that you have a lot more energy. After the sluggishness and discomfort at the beginning of the week, suddenly, you wake up full of beans. You may notice your face is less puffy too, and your eyes might seem brighter.

What happens to your body when you stop drinking for 6 months? ›

Once you stop using and drinking, things start to change. In the first 6 months of your sobriety, your body will start getting rid of toxins in order to become healthier. By the 6 month mark, your skin appears healthier. People around you notice your eyes are clearer.

What does a twist mean in a drink? ›

A “twist” is always a thin strip of citrus peel, without pith and without the meat of the fruit. It derives its name from the fact that the peel is “twisted” over the surface of the drink to express the oils. Note that the default generic “twist” is made from lemon peel.

What is co*ke and milk called? ›

Milk co*ke is exactly that. Milk and Coca-Cola, mixed together and drunk.

What does Scotch mean in slang? ›

scotch Add to list Share. Don't get your hopes up: The verb to scotch has nothing to do with the well-known liquor. Instead, it means to prevent or stop something from happening. To scotch is, most often, to prevent plans, efforts, or desires — as opposed to things — from coming about.

What country did Scotch and Soda start? ›

Scotch & Soda was founded in the Netherlands in 1985, beginning as a men's wholesale brand before relaunching in 2001 and later acquired by Kellwood in 2011.

Is Crown Royal a whiskey or Scotch? ›

Crown Royal was released in the United States in the 1960s and has since become the top selling Canadian whisky. To this day, every drop of Crown Royal is crafted to meet the same uncompromising standards, making it, to many discerning palates, the finest whisky of all.

Is it okay to put Scotch in the freezer? ›

Don't Freeze It

Keeping any spirit in the freezer won't permanently harm it, but it will dull the flavors if you pull the bottle out and immediately pour a glass. While chilling flavorless vodka is fine and dandy, your expensive whiskey tastes way better at room temp.

Is Jack Daniels a Scotch or whiskey? ›

Jack Daniel's is a Tennessee whiskey, so it absolutely is whiskey as well. It's even in the name. Whiskey is just the broadest term for distilled grain that's aged in oak barrels, regardless of factors such as the grains used (e.g., corn, rye, wheat, barley, rice), where it's made, the barrels used, and more.

How is Scotch and soda made? ›

Step 1Fill a tall, narrow glass with ice. Pour the scotch over the ice. Step 2Slowly add the club soda, holding the glass at an angle. Do not stir.

Why is it called Scotch and soda? ›

As it turns out, the name was inspired by a simple coin trick. “When I was first approached by the owners to join the company four years ago, I checked about the name. They told me it came from one of the most basic, classic magician's tricks," says chief executive officer (CEO) Dirk-Jan Stoppelenburg.

How do you make a Scot mad? ›

21 Ways To Annoy A Scottish Person
  1. Call them English. ...
  2. Ask them to say things in an over-the-top Scottish accent. ...
  3. Assume they have an encyclopaedic knowledge of Scottish politics. ...
  4. Talk about your views on the Loch Ness Monster. ...
  5. Tell them how you've never been to Scotland, but you've heard it's "nice".
Jun 2, 2015

Is scotch and soda luxury? ›

Known for casual yet high-end clothing and accessories for men and women, the chain's spring line boasts bright colors and light, breathable fabrics.

What glass is best for scotch and soda? ›

Unlike the Gin & Tonic—which benefits from the use of alternative glassware—the Scotch & Soda should only be made in a Highball glass. Structured similarly to a Champagne flute, a Highball allows the essence of the drink to travel upwards on the bubbles.

Who is the owner of scotch and soda? ›

Scotch & Soda is owned by an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., with Frederick Lukoff serving as the current CEO.

Who is the target audience for Scotch and Soda? ›

The range of the demographic for this brand is across the spectrum. You see, Scotch & Soda is very well-liked by adolescents, millennials as well as the over 50 market segment. Moreover, that broad demographic has seen revenue exceed expectations by far.

How to do the no spill trick on water bottles? ›

Cover the opening with one hand and turn the bottle upside down. Remove your hand. Notice that the water doesn't leak out! Slip some matches between the holes in the gauze – the water still stays put!

What should you not say to a Scotsman? ›

13 things you should NEVER say to someone from Scotland (and why)
  • 'I just love this part of England! ' ...
  • "I'm Scottish too! My great, great, great, granny's friend's ex-wife's second cousin once removed was Scottish." ...
  • “Oh, you live in Glasgow, do you know my friend Jack?” ...
  • “What are you wearing underneath your kilt?”
Jul 7, 2022

What is the Scottish word for no? ›

yes = cuiridh. no = Cha chuir.

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