Yuzu Highball with Japanese Whiskey

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

A crisp, citrus-forward twist on the classic highball, featuring Japanese whiskey and house-made yuzu soda for a refreshing, aromatic sip. This Japanese-inspired recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together Japanese whiskey, yuzu soda, yuzu zest 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 120 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: 5 min Serves 1 Japanese cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until it's 3/4 full, then add 2 oz Japanese whiskey and stir gently for 10 seconds to chill.
  2. Step 2: Top with 4 oz yuzu soda, holding the glass at a 45-degree angle to minimize fizz loss, then gently stir once to combine.
  3. Step 3: Garnish with a single pinch of yuzu zest, pressing it lightly against the rim to release oils before placing it on the glass edge.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Yuzu Highball with Japanese Whiskey take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Yuzu Highball with Japanese Whiskey?

Refrigerate any leftover yuzu highball with japanese whiskey 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 Yuzu Highball with Japanese Whiskey?

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 Yuzu Highball with Japanese Whiskey 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 Yuzu Highball with Japanese Whiskey?

Japanese 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.

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