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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
