Canal Street Daisy

Pro tips

• Squeeze fresh lemon juice immediately before mixing; oxidized juice loses brightness and flavor.
• Use fresh ice and a chilled glass to minimize dilution as the soda water integrates.
• Pour soda water last and gently to preserve carbonation and fizz.
• Adjust soda water to taste—start with a splash and top up to your preferred strength.

Substitutions

• Blended Scotch → single-malt Scotch (richer, more complex flavor)
• Fresh lemon juice → fresh lime juice (more tart and herbaceous)
• Orange juice → grapefruit juice (bitter-citrus profile, drier finish)

Can I make a Canal Street Daisy without fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is essential for balance and brightness. Bottled lemon juice will noticeably flatten the flavor.

What type of blended Scotch works best?

Any quality blended Scotch works; avoid heavily peated varieties, which can overpower the citrus. Johnnie Walker or Chivas Regal are solid choices.

Should I chill the glass first?

Yes. Chill a rocks glass with ice before pouring to keep the drink cold longer without excessive dilution.

Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Combine Scotch, lemon juice, and orange juice in advance. Add soda water and ice individually when serving to preserve carbonation.

Is this drink sweet or sour?

It leans slightly sour from fresh lemon, balanced by orange juice sweetness and the dryness of Scotch—a well-rounded citrus sour.