Citrus-Infused Scotch Highball with Club Soda
A smoky scotch highball brightened with fresh lemon and grapefruit juices and topped with crisp club soda for a lively finish. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 4 minutes brings together scotch whisky, club soda, fresh lemon juice 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 130 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz scotch whisky
- 6 oz club soda
- 0.25 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 slice grapefruit slice
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the glass completely.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of scotch whisky over the ice, letting the smoky aroma develop.
- Step 3: Add 0.25 oz of fresh lemon juice and 0.25 oz of fresh grapefruit juice, stirring gently to combine citrus notes.
- Step 4: Carefully top with 6 oz of club soda, preserving the fizz by pouring slowly down the side.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 slice of grapefruit on the rim for an aromatic citrus lift as you sip.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Scotch Highball with Club Soda take to make?
Total time is about 4 minutes (4 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 Scotch Highball with Club Soda?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-infused scotch highball with club soda 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 Scotch Highball with Club Soda?
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 Scotch Highball with Club Soda 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 Scotch Highball with Club Soda?
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
- ★★★★★
This is the best highball I've ever made. Simple but elegant.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The fresh orange zest really brightened the scotch without overpowering it.
- ★★★★★
The balance of citrus and scotch was perfect! Made for a dinner party and everyone asked for the recipe.
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