Smoky Green Tea Highball
A delicate yet smoky highball marrying chilled green tea and smoky Scotch whisky, topped with sparkling water for a refreshing finish. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together smoky Scotch whisky, cold brewed green tea, sparkling 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 130 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
- 1.5 oz smoky Scotch whisky
- 3 oz cold brewed green tea
- 2 oz sparkling water
- 1 narrow strip lemon peel
- as needed ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 2: Pour in 1.5 oz smoky Scotch whisky and 3 oz cold brewed green tea over the ice.
- Step 3: Top the glass gently with 2 oz sparkling water to preserve fizz.
- Step 4: Stir gently once with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
- Step 5: Express a narrow lemon peel over the surface by twisting it firmly to release oils, then run it around the rim and drop it into the glass as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Green Tea Highball 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 Smoky Green Tea Highball?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky green tea 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 Smoky Green Tea 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 Smoky Green Tea 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 Smoky Green Tea 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.
