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Scotch and Soda Recipe – one of our favorite simple, delicious cocktails with tips for a perfect scotch and soda anytime!
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Table of contents
Classic Scotch and Sodas
While scotch and soda isn’t the trickiest drink to figure out (mix scotch and soda water and you’re done) – there are a couple of tips to keep you drink well balanced and tasting great.
We’re going to walk through the components of how to make a perfect scotch and soda – including what scotch to use, what soda water to use, and tips on ice, garnishes, and more.
We’re also adding a recipe for a non-alcoholic scotch and soda, so you can whip up a batch with a delicious rich caramel flavor without the alcohol.
To see our web story for this recipe, click here.
We hope you love this cocktail as much as we do!
How To Make Scotch And Soda
Finding the right scotch for scotch and soda is pretty simple – we prefer less smoky, easy to drink scotch that isn’t too smoky. We like to buy Speyside or Highlands Scotch for Scotch and Soda – and avoid Smokier Islay or Skye scotch when making scotch and soda.
You want to use a high quality Scotch whose flavor you like – but also want to keep the price lower, since you’re watering it down with soda water.
Some of our favorite picks are below:
- Bowmore 12 – a classic, smooth drinking Scotch with a mid-range price point around $40.
- Johnny Walker Red Label – slightly smoky, with a smooth oaky finish and a $20 price range.
- Balvenie 12 – smooth, rich, and caramel notes in a high-price range around $60 a bottle.
- Famous Grouse – smooth, easy to find, and easy drinking with a great $20 and under price point.
- Glen Keith Distillery Edition – Glen Keith usually appears in Cutty Sark and other Scotch blends, but their distiller edition is floral, smooth, and around a $35 price point.
We love using Topo Chico sparkling water, for its mineral flavor and big bubbles.
We also like Pellegrino, store brand soda water, or Mountain Valley.
Tips and Tricks For Perfect Scotch and Sodas
Scotch and sodas are one of my favorite cocktails because they are truly a pour, stir, and serve drink.
There are a couple tips to keep your scotch and soda perfect though, so we’re sharing them below:
- Don’t pour until ready to serve to keep carbonation.
- Use a scotch whose flavor you like.
- Use large ice cubes if possible to keep them from melting too quickly and giving off too much water.
Make it non alcoholic. You can swap the scotch in this recipe for artisanal non alcoholic scotch – we often like to sip scotch and sodas, but don’t always want the booze – but picking a good quality non alcoholic scotch is a simple, and delicious swap!
Find some of our picks below:
- Lyre’s Non Alcoholic American Bourbon
- Amaretti Non Alcoholic Whiskey Extract
- Ritual Whiskey Alternative
Recipe FAQs
Use a highball or tumbler for scotch and soda.
Use larger ice cubes so they don’t melt quickly and dilute your drink.
Other Drinks You’ll Love
If you love this easy cocktail, check out our other easy drinks and cocktails:
For our entire cocktail and drinks recipe archives, click here.
Scotch and Soda Recipe
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Scotch and Soda Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces scotch
- 4 to 6 ounces Club Soda to taste
Instructions
- Pour scotch in a glass filled with ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a lemon slice.
