Citrus-Infused Scotch Highball with Sparkling Water
A vibrant Scotch whiskey highball elevated with fresh citrus zest and sparkling water for a refreshing balance of flavors. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together Scotch whiskey, sparkling water, orange zest 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 125 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
- 60 ml Scotch whiskey
- 180 ml sparkling water
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 4 cubes ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a tall Collins glass with 4 ice cubes to chill the glass and maintain temperature.
- Step 2: Pour 60 ml of Scotch whiskey over the ice slowly to avoid dilution.
- Step 3: Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest directly into the glass for bright citrus notes.
- Step 4: Top up with 180 ml of chilled sparkling water poured down the side to keep the bubbles lively.
- Step 5: Stir gently 3 times with a bar spoon to blend the whiskey and citrus without losing carbonation.
- Step 6: Optionally, garnish with a thin citrus twist for extra aroma.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Scotch Highball with Sparkling Water take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Sparkling Water?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-infused scotch highball with sparkling water 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 Sparkling Water?
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 Sparkling Water 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 Scotch Highball with Sparkling Water?
General 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.
