The Presbyterian Cocktail is a simple serving which mixes just three ingredients: whisky, ginger ale, and soda water. There is no specific IBA (International Bartenders Association) formulation, and this means that many variations of the bar drink exist sometimes with extra ingredients such as lemon or lime juice. The cocktail appears to have originated in North America; however, because the Presbyterian Church is so strongly tied to Scotland (the National Church of Scotland follows a Presbyterian ecclesiastical polity), it has become commonplace to serve the cocktail with Scottish Whisky.
Like most highball cocktails, the Presbyterian works wonderfully as a back yard deck drink. It requires no frills, no martini shakers, and no expertise on the part of the back deck bartender. Because the serving is lengthened with both ginger-ale and with soda, it is a refreshing drink with a muted sweetness which many persons enjoy.
Here is my preferred formulation served with Catto’s Rare Old Scottish Blended Scotch Whisky.
The Presbyterian Cocktail
2 oz Catto’s Rare Old Scottish Blended Scotch Whisky
1 1/2 oz Ginger Ale
1 1/2 oz Soda Water
Ice
Add Ice to a rocks glass
Pour Scotch Whisky over the ice
Add Ginger Ale and Club Soda and stir
Enjoy Responsibly!
If you are interested in more of my original cocktail recipes, please click this link (Cocktails and Recipes) for more of my mixed drink recipes!
Note: my review for Catto’s Rare Old Scottish Blended Scotch Whisky will publish tomorrow.
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