Spiced Tonic Whiskey Highball
A bold and bubbly highball combining whiskey with the subtle bitterness of tonic water and warming spices. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 3 minutes brings together whiskey, chilled tonic water, 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 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
- 2 oz whiskey
- 5 oz chilled tonic water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 whole for garnish star anise
- 0.25 oz fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to chill the drink properly.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of whiskey over the ice, allowing it to cool naturally.
- Step 3: Add 0.25 oz of fresh lime juice to impart a bright citrus note.
- Step 4: Slowly pour 5 oz of chilled tonic water into the glass to maintain carbonation.
- Step 5: Stir the mixture gently with a bar spoon for about 5 seconds to combine flavors without losing bubbles.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1 whole star anise by placing it on top for a subtle spiced aroma and visual appeal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Tonic Whiskey Highball 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 Spiced Tonic Whiskey Highball?
Refrigerate any leftover spiced tonic whiskey 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 Spiced Tonic Whiskey 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 Spiced Tonic Whiskey 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 Spiced Tonic Whiskey 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.
