Citrus-Spiced Rye Whiskey Highball
An aromatic highball combining spicy rye whiskey with a splash of lemon soda and a hint of aromatic bitters for depth. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together rye whiskey, lemon soda, aromatic bitters 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 140 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 rye whiskey
- 4 oz lemon soda
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 piece lemon peel twist
The shaker and jigger we’d mix this with → Best Bar Tools for 2026: Shakers, Jiggers & Strainers Worth Buying
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 1 cup of ice cubes to a highball glass to keep the cocktail chilled.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of spicy rye whiskey over the ice, allowing it to chill slightly.
- Step 3: Add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters directly into the whiskey for complexity.
- Step 4: Slowly top with 4 oz of lemon soda, pouring down the side of the glass to preserve fizz.
- Step 5: Stir gently once with a bar spoon to blend the flavors without losing carbonation.
- Step 6: Garnish with a lemon peel twist by expressing the oils over the drink and dropping it inside the glass.









