Vodka Tonic Water Highball
Effervescent and crisp with vodka's clean finish elevated by the subtle bitterness of premium tonic water and a bright lemon accent. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together vodka, tonic water, lemon twist 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 140 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
- 1.5 oz vodka
- 4 oz tonic water
- 1 lemon twist
- 8 ice cubes
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with 8 ice cubes, pressing them down until they're snug and the glass feels cold to the touch.
- Step 2: Pour 1.5 oz vodka over the ice, swirling the glass gently to chill the ice for 15 seconds.
- Step 3: Top with 4 oz tonic water, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles and create a slight fizz on the surface.
- Step 4: Squeeze a 1-inch lemon twist over the drink, then use a bar spoon to twist it into a spiral over the glass, releasing the oils for a citrus aroma.








