Published Mar 23, 2008
As the weather turns to summer — well, at least as it does here in sunny Southern California — we may be coming to the time of year when brown liquors are replaced by clear ones in your everyday drinks. But, if you want something a bit refreshing, something that can stand up to a bit of spring sunlight and warm air, then let me recommend the Presbyterian.
Now, everybody loves the Jack and Coke, but, let’s face it, there’s a time to grow up, a time to select more moderate and complex flavors, a time to be refreshed rather than trashed. The Presbyterian is — as one might guess from its name — an appropriate mix of abstemiousness and indulgence. Take a highball glass, and fill with ice. Pour in an ounce and a half of the Scotch of your choice — I recommend a Speyside, or something less peat-y and with more even, caramel-y taste. Of the remaining space in your glass, fill half with a good ginger ale — not a ginger beer, which will overpower your scotch, but a more moderate ale with a bit of a bite and not too much sweetness — and half with soda water.
The Presbyterian is a fairly light drink that can be enjoyed with a meal or sipped for refreshment. Not quite a gin and tonic on a hot day, it’s still a good standby when you want a bit warmer, sugarier flavor, with a real kick of spice.