This refreshing contemporary cocktail is the perfect drink for a night out. The Presbyterian combines whiskey and ginger ale to make a delicious, easy-to-make classic that’s sure to impress your friends! Enjoy responsibly!
Presbyterian Cocktail: an unpretentious beverage
The Presbyterian cocktail is one of the most beloved drinks in the world. With its simple blend of whiskey and ginger ale, it’s easy to see why this drink has been so popular for generations. The origins of the Presbyterian are unclear, but some believe it was first served around the turn of the 20th century in New York City.
Another theory suggests that the name might have arisen from the Prohibition era when people would disguise their alcoholic beverages to avoid scrutiny. The Presbyterian cocktail, with its mix of ginger ale and club soda, could have easily passed as a non-alcoholic beverage in a casual setting.
This contemporary version of this classic drink uses rye whiskey instead of traditional American bourbon as its base. Then, ginger ale is added for sweetness and fizziness that balances out the strong flavor from rye whiskey perfectly. A few drops of bitters can be added for extra flavor if desired.
To make a Presbyterian at home, all you need are two ingredients – rye whiskey and ginger ale – plus ice cubes to chill everything down.
The Presbyterian cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey bourbon or rye
- 2 oz ginger ale
- 2 oz club soda
- Ice
- Garnish: lemon or orange twist or a cherry (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour the whiskey (bourbon or rye) over the ice.
- Add equal parts ginger ale and club soda, typically 2 ounces each, but you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste.
- Gently stir the cocktail to mix the ingredients.
- Optionally, garnish with a lemon or orange twist, or a cherry before serving.
Notes
Glassware
The typical glassware used for a Presbyterian cocktail is a highball glass. This type of glass is tall and narrow, usually between 8-16 ounces in size. It’s perfect for serving drinks with long ingredients such as whiskey and ginger ale, like the classic Presbyterian. The shape also helps to keep carbonation from dissipating too quickly, making sure your drink stays nice and fizzy until you finish it!
Flavors
The Presbyterian is a modern twist on the classic whiskey and ginger ale cocktail. This light and refreshing drink has been around for centuries, but it recently gained popularity in the craft beer scene.
Featuring just a few ingredients, whiskey and ginger ale, this easy-to-make drink is perfect for any occasion. The flavor profile of this cocktail is light yet complex; the combination of sweet notes from the whiskey and spicy notes from the ginger ale create an interesting flavor profile.
The whiskey provides a rich base to this cocktail that serves as its foundation. A full-bodied spirit like bourbon or rye will bring out some nice hints of caramel sweetness that complement with both the spicy notes from the ginger ale as well as any other mixers you choose to add (such as lime juice).
The ginger ale brings a unique spiciness that pairs nicely with most whiskeys; its zingy taste helps round out all flavors in this drink while adding just enough tanginess to balance it all out.
3 tips for Making Your Presbyterian
- When selecting whiskey for a Presbyterian Cocktail, opt for a light-bodied, mild whiskey to allow the spicy ginger flavor of the ginger ale to shine through.
- Pay attention to the presentation by using clean, well-chilled glassware and, if possible, clear ice for a more polished look.
- Garnish and presentation: While garnishing a Presbyterian cocktail is optional, it can elevate the visual appeal and add a touch of elegance to your drink. A lemon or orange twist can impart a subtle citrus aroma that complements the flavors of the cocktail, while a cherry can provide a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
