Presbyterian recipe
A crisp, refreshing highball combining blended Scotch whisky with lively ginger ale and club soda.
Method: Build in glass ·
Glass: Highball glass ·
Time: 3 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Highball Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blended Scotch whisky
- 3 oz Ginger ale (Chilled)
- 3 oz Club soda (Chilled)
How to make a Presbyterian
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Pour the blended Scotch whisky directly into the glass.
- Top with equal parts chilled ginger ale and club soda.
- Stir gently and briefly from bottom to top to combine without losing effervescence.
- Garnish with a fresh lemon twist.
Garnish
Garnish with a fresh lemon twist expressed over the surface.
Pro tip
Using a split modifier of equal parts ginger ale and club soda prevents the drink from becoming overly sweet while maintaining a lively, refreshing effervescence. Always pour chilled carbonated mixers down a bar spoon to preserve maximum fizz.
History of the Presbyterian
Named in honor of Presbyterian church members who allegedly preferred non-alcoholic ginger ale over liquor during temperance movements, this classic highball evolved in late nineteenth-century America. While early versions frequently featured rye whiskey or bourbon, modern preferences shifted toward blended Scotch whisky, creating a lighter, grain-forward profile. The drink's exact authorship remains disputed, with various accounts attributing its creation to American or British clubs, though its enduring popularity solidified its place in highball history.
Flavour profile
Crisp, Effervescent, Ginger, Malty
Variations
- Mamie Taylor — Substitute bourbon for Scotch whisky and add fresh lime juice.
- Bucks Peak — Use reposado tequila in place of Scotch and top entirely with ginger beer.
Practise making the Presbyterian in the free Virtual Bar game.