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 general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together rye whiskey, lemon soda, dashes 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
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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Rye Whiskey Highball 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-Spiced Rye Whiskey Highball?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-spiced rye whiskey highball 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-Spiced 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-Spiced 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 goes well with Citrus-Spiced Rye Whiskey Highball?
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.
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