Scotch and Soda - Scotch Whisky & Club Soda Highball

Scotch and Soda pairs Scotch with Club Soda in one of the simplest whisky highballs. The soda adds dilution and lift, opening the whisky's aroma while keeping the drink dry and refreshing.

Background

Scotch and soda has been a familiar highball format for more than a century, although there is no single definitive creator or origin story. Its appeal comes from simplicity: whisky, carbonation, ice, and careful dilution.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Scotch - provides the whisky's malt, fruit, smoke, and oak character.
• Club Soda - adds carbonation, dilution, and length.

Equipment

• Highball Glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon

A Clear 2:1 Highball

Four ounces of Club Soda to two ounces of Scotch gives the drink a repeatable 2:1 mixer ratio. The whisky remains recognizable while the soda makes it lighter and more aromatic.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use a lightly peated Scotch for more smoke.
• Try Irish whiskey for a softer variation.
• Express lemon peel over the glass for citrus aroma.
• Add one dash of aromatic bitters for spice.

Helpful Tips

• Chill the Club Soda before building.
• Fill the Highball Glass generously with ice.
• Add the soda last.
• Stir only once or twice to preserve carbonation.
• Serve immediately.