Smoky Scotch and Club Soda Highball
A clean and crisp Scotch whiskey highball enhanced by smoky notes and sparkling club soda for a light, sophisticated cocktail. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 4 minutes brings together smoky Scotch whiskey, club soda, 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 120 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 smoky Scotch whiskey
- 5 oz club soda
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a tall highball glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the glass thoroughly.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of smoky Scotch whiskey over the ice, releasing its rich aromas.
- Step 3: Slowly add 5 oz of chilled club soda to maintain effervescence.
- Step 4: Stir gently for 5 seconds to mix without flattening the bubbles.
- Step 5: Express the oils of 1 orange peel over the glass by twisting it, then drop the peel in for a fragrant finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Scotch and Club Soda Highball take to make?
Total time is about 4 minutes (4 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 Scotch and Club Soda Highball?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky scotch and club 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 Smoky Scotch and Club 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 Smoky Scotch and Club 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 Smoky Scotch and Club Soda Highball?
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.
