Scotch and Soda Cocktail Recipe

A Scotch and Soda is one of the easiest drinks you can make, but it still feels classic. It’s just Scotch whisky, club soda, and ice, usually finished with a lemon twist. You still get the flavor of the Scotch, but in a lighter, more refreshing way.

This Scotch and soda cocktail recipe only uses two main ingredients, so each one matters. The Scotch you choose can make the drink taste smoother, smokier, bolder, or more mellow. The amount of soda you add also changes the flavor, and even a simple garnish can make a small difference.

In this post, you’ll learn how to choose the right Scotch, build the drink with better balance, and adjust it based on what you like. Once you know the basics, you can make a classic Scotch and Soda that works pretty much any time of year.

What's in a Scotch and Soda?

You only need two main ingredients to make a Scotch and Soda.

That’s part of why this simple highball works so well. The Scotch gives the drink its flavor, and the club soda adds fizz and lightens it up without getting in the way.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Scotch whisky - Use a Scotch you already like drinking. A blended Scotch is great for a casual, easy sip, while a single malt usually works better with just a little soda so you can still taste more of its character.
• Club soda - This is what gives the drink its fizz and keeps it light without adding sweetness. It makes the Scotch feel more refreshing and easier to sip. Seltzer works well too if you want a clean, neutral taste. Sparkling mineral water is another good option if you do not mind a slight mineral note.
• Lemon twist This is the classic garnish for a Scotch and Soda. When you twist it over the glass, the oils from the peel add a fresh citrus aroma that lifts the drink. If you want a slightly softer citrus note, you can use an orange twist instead.

Equipment You'll Need

You really do not need much to make a Scotch and Soda at home.

• Highball glass
• Jigger
• Bar spoon 
• Citrus peeler if you are adding a garnish

If you are still building your home bar, a beginner cocktail tool set can make things easier since it usually comes with a jigger, bar spoon, and a few other basics you will actually use. A home bartending kit like this stainless steel cocktail set is a simple way to get the tools you need in one place.

How to Make a Scotch and Soda

This classic whisky cocktail only takes a minute or two to make. All you need is Scotch, club soda, and ice.

Start with a highball glass and fill it with ice. That helps keep the drink cold and refreshing the whole time you’re sipping it.

Pour in 2 ounces of Scotch over the ice. A good mid-range bottle works great here, so there’s no need to use your most expensive one.

Top it with cold club soda. Around 4 ounces is a solid starting point, but you can add more or less depending on how strong you want it.

Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon. Just two or three quick turns is enough. You do not want to stir too hard because that knocks out the bubbles.

If you want, add a lemon twist for a little fresh citrus aroma. If not, you can leave it plain and keep it simple.

Part of what makes this drink so good is how the carbonation opens up the Scotch a bit. It softens the edge and makes it easier to pick up the lighter flavors in the whisky.

And that’s really it. The full recipe card below has the exact amounts and quick steps if you want to follow it that way.

This refreshing highball is a good reminder that a drink does not need a long ingredient list to taste great. Sometimes simple really is better.

Tips and Tricks to Make Best Scotch and Soda

• Use a Scotch you actually enjoy drinking. This drink is simple, so the flavor of the Scotch really comes through. If you do not like the whisky on its own, you probably will not like it with soda either.
• Chill your glass first if you want an extra crisp drink. Just pop it in the freezer for about 10 minutes before you make your Scotch and Soda.
• Stir gently after adding the soda. A light stir is all you need to bring everything together. If you stir too hard, you will lose a lot of the fizz.
• Adjust the soda to match your taste. Use less if you want a stronger, more spirit-forward drink. Add a little more if you want something lighter and easier to sip.

Scotch and Soda Recipe Variations

A Scotch and Soda is really easy to change up if you want to try something a little different. Here are a few easy tweaks to try.

• Smoky Scotch and Soda
  Use an Islay Scotch if you want a bolder drink with more smoke and peat.
• Scotch and Seltzer
  This is very close to the classic version, but it can taste a little lighter and cleaner.
• Scotch and Sparkling Water
  This gives you a softer fizz than club soda, but it still keeps the drink refreshing.
• Scotch and Tonic
  Swap in tonic water if you want a slightly bitter edge and a different kind of bite.
• Scotch with Ginger Ale
  If you want something a little sweeter, this version adds a nice mix of spice and sweetness.
• Japanese Whisky Highball
  Try it with Japanese whisky, plenty of soda, and a large ice cube. This version is extra crisp, light, and really easy to sip.
• Citrus Swap
  Use an orange peel instead of a lemon twist if you want a slightly sweeter citrus aroma.
• Non Alcoholic Version
  You can use a whisky alternative, or even flavored sparkling water with a dash of bitters, if you want something in the same style without the alcohol.

More Whisky Cocktails to Try

If you want to try more easy whisky drinks, here are a few good ones to start with.

• Whiskey Ginger
• Whiskey Soda
• Jameson and Ginger Ale (Irish Buck)
• Whiskey and Coke
• Whiskey Smash
• Old Fashioned
• Rusty Nail
• Rob Roy
• Whisky Sour
• Irish Coffee

If you want more ideas, you can also check out these whiskey mixer ideas and other popular whiskey cocktails for more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions