Scotch and soda, also known as a stengah, is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by many for decades. This refreshing drink is made by mixing equal parts whisky and soda water, served over ice. The drink's popularity can be traced back to the early 20th century when it was a favorite among British subjects in Asia.
The term “stengah” coms from the Malay word for “half” (setengah), which perfectly describes the equal parts of whisky and soda water used in the drink's recipe. The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity, as it only requires two ingredients, yet still manages to pack a punch.
To make a stengah, simply fill a tall, narrow glass with ice and pour in your preferred scotch whisky. Slowly add the club soda, holding the glass at an angle, and do not stir. Garnish with a lemon twist, and you have yourself a refreshing stengah cocktail.
When it comes to choosing the right scotch whisky for your stengah, any scotch will do, so long as it's one you enjoy. Whether you prefer a blended scotch or a rare single-malt, the recipe remains the same. The soda water helps to lengthen the drink and make it more refreshing, while still allowing the pure, straightforward flavors of the whisky to shine through.
If you're looking to switch up your scotch and soda game, there are many other whiskey mixers you can experiment with. Ginger, Coca Cola, soda water, lemon, apple cider, grapefruit juice, sweet vermouth, and sour mix are all excellent options to try. Each mixer brings its unique flavor profile to the drink, allowing you to tailor your scotch and soda to your taste.
The scotch and soda cocktail, or stengah, is a classic drink that has been enjoyed by many for decades. Its simple recipe and refreshing taste make it a go-to cocktail for those looking to enjoy the pure, straightforward flavors of scotch whisky. With a little experimentation, you can customize your stengah with different whiskey mixers to create a truly unique and delicious drink.
What Is Scotch And Soda Called?
Scotch and soda is commonly referred to as a “stengah”. It is a cocktail made by mixing equal parts of whisky and soda water, and then serving the mixture over ice. This drink was particularly popular among British subjects living in areas of the British Empire in Asia during the early 20th century. The term “stengah” is derived from the Malay language, where it means “half”.
Is Soda Good With Scotch?
Adding soda to scotch whiskey can be a good idea if you want to create a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail. The soda helps to lengthen the drink and mellow out the intense flavors of the scotch, making it a more approachable option for those who miht not be used to drinking straight spirits. While some purists might argue that adding soda to scotch is sacrilege, there's no denying that it can be a tasty and enjoyable way to enjoy this classic spirit. When choosing a scotch to mix with soda, it's important to pick one that you enjoy the taste of, whether that's a blended scotch or a rare single-malt. Ultimately, the decision to add soda to scotch comes down to personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
How Do You Drink Scotch Whiskey With Soda?
To drink scotch whiskey with soda, you will need a tall, narrow glass filled with ice. Pour the scotch over the ice, and then slowly add the club soda to the glass while holding it at an angle. It is important not to stir the drink. To enhance the taste, you can garnish the drink with a lemon twist. Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Fill a tall, narrow glass with ice.
2. Pour the scotch over the ice.
3. Slowly add the club soda to the glass while holding it at an angle.
4. Do not stir the drink.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist.
By followig these steps, you can enjoy a refreshing scotch whiskey with soda.
Conclusion
The stengah is a classic and refreshing way to enjoy scotch whiskey. Its origins in British colonial Asia give it a unique cultural history, but its appeal is universal. By mixing equal parts scotch and soda water, the drink is lengthened and made more refreshing withot compromising the pure, straightforward flavors of the spirit. Adding a lemon twist as a garnish adds a bright citrus note that complements the whiskey. While any scotch whiskey can be used, it's important to choose one that you enjoy. The stengah is just one example of how a simple mixer can transform a spirit into a delicious and approachable cocktail.
