Smoky Scotch and Cola Highball with Orange Peel
A smooth highball cocktail combining peaty scotch whiskey with sweet cola and a hint of orange peel for depth and aroma. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 3 minutes brings together peaty scotch whiskey, cola, 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 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 peaty scotch whiskey
- 5 oz cola
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 strip orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a tall highball glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to ensure the drink stays cold.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of peaty scotch whiskey over the ice for a smoky base.
- Step 3: Slowly add 5 oz of cola to maintain carbonation and balance sweetness, creating roughly a 1:2.5 ratio.
- Step 4: Stir gently just once with a bar spoon to mix without losing fizz.
- Step 5: Twist 1 strip of orange peel over the glass to release oils, then drop it in as garnish for aromatic complexity.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Scotch and Cola Highball with Orange Peel 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 Smoky Scotch and Cola Highball with Orange Peel?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky scotch and cola highball with orange peel 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 Cola Highball with Orange Peel?
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 Cola Highball with Orange Peel 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 Cola Highball with Orange Peel?
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
