Citrus-Infused Japanese Whiskey Highball

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and effervescent highball cocktail featuring Japanese whiskey with sparkling soda water and a bright citrus twist. This japanese-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 3 minutes brings together Japanese whiskey, soda water, ice cubes for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 3 min Serves 1 Japanese cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a tall highball glass with 1 cup of large, clear ice cubes to chill and reduce dilution.
  2. Step 2: Pour 2 oz of Japanese whiskey over the ice for a smooth base.
  3. Step 3: Slowly top with 5 oz of chilled soda water poured gently to preserve bubbles.
  4. Step 4: Stir gently once to blend flavors while maintaining effervescence.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 small strip of yuzu peel, twisting it over the drink to release bright citrus oils.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Japanese Whiskey Highball take to make?

Total time is about 3 minutes (3 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Japanese Whiskey Highball?

Refrigerate any leftover citrus-infused japanese whiskey highball in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Japanese Whiskey Highball?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Infused Japanese Whiskey Highball for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Infused Japanese Whiskey Highball?

Japanese cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.