Lemon-Zest Whiskey Soda Highball

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, citrus-kissed highball with a subtle lemon aroma that complements the whisky. This recipe, ready in about 3 minutes, brings together rye whiskey, soda water, lemon zest 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 230 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.

Prep: 3 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until three-quarters full (about 1 cup ice).
  2. Step 2: Pour 2 oz rye whiskey over the ice and gently roll the glass to coat the ice.
  3. Step 3: Top with 4 oz chilled soda water, add 1 thin strip of lemon zest, and stir once to release the citrus oils without muddling the zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Zest Whiskey Soda Highball 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 Lemon-Zest Whiskey Soda Highball?

Refrigerate any leftover lemon-zest whiskey soda 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 Lemon-Zest Whiskey Soda 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 Lemon-Zest Whiskey Soda 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 Lemon-Zest Whiskey Soda Highball?

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.

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