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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
