Presbyterian

By Rebekah Peppler

Updated Nov. 26, 2024

Presbyterian
Ghazalle Badiozamani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Brett Regot.
Rating
4(252)
Comments
Read comments

As with all short ingredient lists, quality matters. Make sure to look for a drier ginger ale with a bite to it and reach for a whiskey you like to drink. Bourbon will result in a sweeter-leaning drink, Scotch a smokier variation, rye one that’s a little more spiced. While the citrus garnish is optional, if you do opt for it, lean in fully and squeeze the garnish directly into the drink. The hit of fresh citrus will brighten and add a lovely aroma.

Featured in: Easy Whiskey Drinks for a Relaxed Thanksgiving

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
    Subscribe

  • Print Options

Advertisement

Ingredients

Yield:1 drink
  • Ice
  • 1½ ounces rye, Scotch or bourbon 
  • 2 to 3ounces dry ginger ale, chilled
  • 2 to 3ounces club soda, chilled
  • Lemon or lime wedge or peel, optional
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

124 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 20 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by
Cooking Newsletter illustration

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Opt out or contact us anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Fill a Collins or highball glass with ice. Add the whiskey of your choice and top with ginger ale and soda. Garnish with the citrus.

Ratings

4 out of 5
252 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Comments

The name

@Beth C The name is a subtle joke. The drink is a modification of a High Ball, which is whiskey and ginger ale. This drink cuts back the sugar by mixing in seltzer, making it less sinful, as a devout presbyterian would require.

Green Bay Gemma

Half ginger ale and half seltzer is a called a "Presbyterian" because in the 50s, when everyone was drinking cocktails in the upper Midwest, teetotalling Presbyterians would drink half ginger and half seltzer over ice, which looks like a real mixed drink. In Wisconsin, you can still order "a brandy old fashioned press" which will be half 7up and half seltzer.

Ant'ney

Not knocking this, but my first drink in a bar ever, at 14-ish years old (hello Hobnails, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn), was a Jack & Ginger, with a twist. Clearly a less evolved relative of this cocktail. I'll toast that 40 year old memory with a Presbyterian this holiday. Thanks!

Mortadella

Looking for smokier Scotch? Jonnie Walker has "Double Black". Very smokey.

Carol K

If you want a ginger ale with a bite to it, a ginger beer would be the way to go. Fever Tree is a great one, and Bundaberg. Much more of a sharp ginger pow than ginger ale.

Tom Z

A favorite drink of my mother’s in the 50s - 60s. Never knew the recipe. Thanks!

Private comments are only visible to you.

Recipe Tags

Advertisement

or to save this recipe.