Whiskey and Citrus Soda Highball with Aromatic Bitters
A clean and crisp whiskey highball elevated by citrus soda and a few dashes of aromatic bitters for complexity. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 3 minutes brings together whiskey, citrus soda, dashes aromatic bitters 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 citrus soda
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1 piece orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a highball glass with 1 cup of ice cubes to keep the drink chilled.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz of whiskey over the ice to form the cocktail base.
- Step 3: Add 2 dashes of aromatic bitters directly into the glass to impart subtle spice and depth.
- Step 4: Slowly pour 5 oz of citrus soda down the side of the glass to maintain carbonation and create a lively fizz.
- Step 5: Stir gently once with a bar spoon to combine the flavors without disrupting bubbles.
- Step 6: Express the oils from 1 piece of orange peel over the drink by twisting it, then drop it in as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whiskey and Citrus Soda Highball with Aromatic Bitters 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 Whiskey and Citrus Soda Highball with Aromatic Bitters?
Refrigerate any leftover whiskey and citrus soda highball with aromatic bitters 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 Whiskey and Citrus Soda Highball with Aromatic Bitters?
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 Whiskey and Citrus Soda Highball with Aromatic Bitters 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 Whiskey and Citrus Soda Highball with Aromatic Bitters?
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.
