Citrus-Spiced Whiskey Highball with Soda Water
A bright and effervescent highball featuring whiskey, soda water, and a twist of fresh citrus and warming spices. This recipe, ready in about 3 minutes, brings together whiskey, club soda, 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 120 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 club soda
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- a pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 piece orange peel
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a slim highball glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to chill and keep the drink cold.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of whiskey over the ice, allowing it to chill slightly.
- Step 3: Add 0.5 oz of fresh lemon juice to add brightness and a citrus kick.
- Step 4: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon over the whiskey and lemon mixture to introduce a subtle warming spice.
- Step 5: Slowly pour 5 oz of club soda into the glass to top off the drink, preserving the carbonation.
- Step 6: Stir gently once to combine flavors without losing bubbles.
- Step 7: Garnish with 1 orange peel by twisting it over the glass to release oils and placing it on the rim for aroma.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Whiskey Highball with Soda 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-Spiced Whiskey Highball with Soda Water?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-spiced whiskey highball with soda 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-Spiced Whiskey Highball with Soda 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-Spiced Whiskey Highball with Soda 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-Spiced Whiskey Highball with Soda Water?
Cocktails 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.
