Citrus-Infused Whiskey Highball with Sparkling Water
A clean, crisp whiskey highball elevated by fresh orange zest and sparkling water for a bright and effervescent cocktail. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 3 minutes brings together whiskey, sparkling water, as needed 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 105 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 whiskey
- 5 oz sparkling water
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 strip (about 2 inches) orange zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill it thoroughly.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz whiskey over the ice, allowing the spirit to cool gently.
- Step 3: Slowly add 5 oz sparkling water, pouring carefully to preserve bubbles and deliver a crisp texture.
- Step 4: Express the oils from 1 strip of orange zest over the drink by twisting it firmly above the glass, then rim the glass edge with the zest before dropping it in.
- Step 5: Stir gently once with a bar spoon to blend the citrus aroma with the whiskey and sparkling water without losing carbonation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Whiskey Highball with Sparkling Water 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 Whiskey Highball with Sparkling Water?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-infused whiskey 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 Whiskey 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 Whiskey 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 should I serve with Citrus-Infused Whiskey Highball with Sparkling Water?
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 guests were impressed by how refreshing this was on a hot evening.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The citrus notes were perfect with the whiskey.
- ★★★★☆
The recipe was easy to follow, but I found the whiskey a little strong.
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