Citrus-Infused Rye Whiskey Highball
A bright rye whiskey highball featuring zesty lemon and grapefruit notes combined with club soda for a crisp summer drink. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 4 minutes pairs rye whiskey, club soda, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- 5 oz club soda
- 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 piece grapefruit twist
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a tall highball glass fully with ice cubes to create a cold and refreshing base.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of rye whiskey over the ice and let it cool for about 10 seconds.
- Step 3: Add 0.25 oz of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 0.25 oz of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, stirring gently to combine the citrus flavors.
- Step 4: Slowly pour 5 oz of chilled club soda down the side of the glass to maintain effervescence.
- Step 5: Stir once gently to mix the drink, then garnish with 1 grapefruit twist by expressing the oils over the glass and placing it inside for aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Rye Whiskey Highball take to make?
Total time is about 4 minutes (4 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Rye Whiskey Highball?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rye whiskey from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Rye 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 Rye 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 should I serve with Citrus-Infused Rye Whiskey Highball?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family loved this cocktail. It's the perfect balance of sweet and bold.
- ★★★★★
A refreshing twist on a classic. The homemade citrus infusion made all the difference.
- ★★★★★
This highball was a hit at my dinner party! The citrus notes were bright and perfect with the rye.
