Soda-Infused Whiskey Highball with Fresh Citrus

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

A bright and effervescent whiskey highball enhanced with fresh lemon juice and soda water for a light, citrusy finish. This recipe, ready in about 4 minutes, brings together whiskey, club soda, fresh lemon juice 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 110 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: 4 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Drinks cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 cup of ice cubes into a tall highball glass to chill it thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Pour 2 oz of whiskey over the ice, allowing it to rest for 10 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 oz of fresh lemon juice by squeezing it directly into the glass for bright citrus notes.
  4. Step 4: Slowly top with 5 oz of chilled club soda to preserve effervescence.
  5. Step 5: Stir gently with a bar spoon to mix the ingredients without flattening the soda.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1 lemon wheel placed on the rim for an aromatic touch.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soda-Infused Whiskey Highball with Fresh Citrus 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 Soda-Infused Whiskey Highball with Fresh Citrus?

Refrigerate any leftover soda-infused whiskey highball with fresh citrus 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 Soda-Infused Whiskey Highball with Fresh Citrus?

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 Soda-Infused Whiskey Highball with Fresh Citrus 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 Soda-Infused Whiskey Highball with Fresh Citrus?

Cocktails & Drinks 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.