Theo's Apricot Cola Rye Highball
Apricot nectar, rye whiskey, lemon, and cola make a brisk highball with a sunny fruit finish.
Prep: 8 · Cook: · Total: 8 · Serves: 1 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (74 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
Inspired by classic whiskey highballs, roadside cola fountains, and the sweet-tart flavor of ripe apricots.
Story
Theo likes a drink that can handle a long drive on the radio and a plate of salty food nearby. Apricot gives the rye a little sunshine, cola brings the fizz, and lemon keeps the whole glass from wandering too sweet. It is casual, cold, and ready before the first chorus ends.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 ounce apricot nectar
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 ounce maple syrup
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
- 3 ounces chilled cola
- 1 cup ice
- Lemon wheel and dried apricot
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice and chill it while you prepare the drink.
- Add the rye, apricot nectar, lemon juice, maple syrup, and bitters to the glass.
- Stir for 10 seconds until the mixture is cold and the maple syrup dissolves.
- Top slowly with the cola, leaving room for the bubbles to settle.
- Give the highball one gentle stir from the bottom to combine without flattening it.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and dried apricot, then serve immediately.
Chef Tips
- Use a tart apricot nectar so the drink stays balanced rather than candy-sweet.
- Chill the cola first because cold bubbles stay lively longer.
- For a drier finish, use half the maple syrup and add an extra dash of bitters.
- A lemon peel can stand in for the wheel when you want a cleaner garnish.
Cook's Notes
- **Nectar:** Choose an unsweetened or lightly sweetened apricot nectar.
- **Bubbles:** Add cola last and stir gently so the highball stays lively.
- **Maple:** Use less if your cola is especially sweet.