I'm also one of the older guys here I'm guessing.
When I was a kid scotch and water or with club soda was a huge thing. Especially with the WW2 Vets.
I've worked in bars and night clubs my whole life. The old guys could really throw that shit back. They would take a small breath right before doing a shot, down the whole thing real fast then exhale hard to blow all the strong alcohol vapors out so they never coughed.
Sal