Evening Whisky and Soda
A Scotch whisky lengthened with water or soda, sober and upright, the drink of working evenings. An adult beverage, presented here for its historical role in the character's life.
A Scotch whisky lengthened with water or soda, sober and upright, the drink of working evenings. An adult beverage, presented here for its historical role in the character's life.
When others sleep, there are always papers to read. A finger of Scotch whisky, a little water — no more, I never liked excess — and you last through the night. It's not a lazy pleasure, you see, it's the discreet companion of a job well done. You serve it simply, you drink it in moderation: the rest is a matter of will.
- •Scotch whisky — a measure (alcohol)
- •Still water or seltzer water — to lengthen (dilution)
Evening Whisky and Soda
A Scotch whisky lengthened with water or soda, sober and upright, the drink of working evenings. An adult beverage, presented here for its historical role in the character's life.
Why this dish? Thatcher slept little and worked late; her taste for a light whisky at the end of the evening is widely documented by her close associates and biographers. This drink accompanied her long nights of paperwork at Downing Street.
When others sleep, there are always papers to read. A finger of Scotch whisky, a little water — no more, I never liked excess — and you last through the night. It's not a lazy pleasure, you see, it's the discreet companion of a job well done. You serve it simply, you drink it in moderation: the rest is a matter of will.
Ingredients (period version)
- Scotch whisky — a measure (alcohol)
- Still water or seltzer water — to lengthen (dilution)
Ingredients
- Scotch whisky (blended, e.g. Bell's or Famous Grouse) — 4 cl (alcohol)
- Still water or soda (sparkling water) — 8 to 12 cl (dilution)
- Ice cubes (optional) — 1 to 2 (coolness)
Method
- Pour the whisky into a tumbler glass.
- Lengthen with still water or soda, to taste, in a generous proportion.
- Add one or two ice cubes if desired, without drowning the aroma.
- Stir once and sip slowly. For adults only.
How it was made : Whisky and soda ('Scotch and soda') was the classic evening drink of 20th-century British society, from London clubs to private drawing rooms. It was served long and light, more for relaxation than intoxication, in a cut crystal tumbler.
The contemporary twist : Serve in a cut crystal old-fashioned glass with a large whisky stone (giant ice cube): sobriety and composure, in the image of the Iron Lady. (Non-alcoholic version: sparkling water, cloudy apple juice and a squeeze of lemon.)
Margaret Thatcher · Charactorium