Honeyed Bourbon Highball with Ginger and Citrus
A smooth bourbon highball sweetened with honey and enhanced by the spicy warmth of ginger ale and fresh orange zest. This cocktails & beverages ready in about 5 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, ginger ale, honey syrup (1:1 honey and water) 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 180 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 bourbon whiskey
- 5 oz ginger ale
- 0.5 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Add 1 cup of ice cubes to a highball glass to chill it evenly.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of bourbon whiskey over the ice, allowing it to settle.
- Step 3: Stir in 0.5 oz of honey syrup, mixing gently to dissolve the sweetness evenly.
- Step 4: Pour 5 oz of ginger ale carefully over the mixture to keep the carbonation lively.
- Step 5: Garnish by sprinkling 1 tsp of fresh orange zest on top, releasing aromatic oils with a gentle twist before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honeyed Bourbon Highball with Ginger and Citrus 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 Honeyed Bourbon Highball with Ginger and Citrus?
Refrigerate any leftover honeyed bourbon highball with ginger and citrus 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 Honeyed Bourbon Highball with Ginger and Citrus?
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 Honeyed Bourbon Highball with Ginger and Citrus 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 should I serve with Honeyed Bourbon Highball with Ginger and Citrus?
A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So refreshing on a hot day, will make again!
- ★★★★★
Made this for a dinner party, everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
This cocktail is a game-changer for my bourbon collection!
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