Crisp Citrus Highball with Soda and Whiskey
A clean and slightly bitter highball cocktail where whiskey meets soda water and fresh citrus for a bright, refreshing flavor. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 3 minutes brings together whiskey, club soda, 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 115 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
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 wedge fresh lime wedge
- 1 strip for garnish fresh orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a 12 oz highball glass to the brim with ice cubes to chill thoroughly.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of whiskey over the ice, allowing it to cool for 10 seconds.
- Step 3: Slowly add 5 oz of club soda down the side of the glass to preserve bubbles and create a crisp finish.
- Step 4: Squeeze the juice of 1 fresh lime wedge into the drink, then drop the wedge in for extra aroma.
- Step 5: Garnish with 1 strip of fresh orange peel twisted over the glass to release oils, then place inside.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crisp Citrus Highball with Soda and Whiskey 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 Crisp Citrus Highball with Soda and Whiskey?
Refrigerate any leftover crisp citrus highball with soda and whiskey 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 Crisp Citrus Highball with Soda and Whiskey?
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 Crisp Citrus Highball with Soda and Whiskey 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 Crisp Citrus Highball with Soda and Whiskey?
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.
