There’s nothing quite like a highball cocktail, light, refreshing, and easily adaptable. This Orange Vanilla Highball recipe our team has developed takes the classic formula and adds a bit of freshness to it by adding Rodelle’s Pure Fiori di Sicilia Flavor, a fragrant extract that blends bright citrus with warm vanilla notes. The result is a drink that’s elegant yet approachable, perfect for everything from a casual evening wind-down to a special occasion toast!

At its core, a highball is simple: spirit, mixer, and ice. But this version goes beyond by adding flavors that feel both nostalgic and sophisticated. Fiori di Sicilia, an Italian-inspired blend of vanilla and citrus, is the secret ingredient that makes this cocktail shine! A little splash transforms a straightforward orange highball into something a bit more complex with floral top notes, sweet vanilla warmth, and a burst of fresh orange.

The balance of flavors is what makes this orange vanilla cocktail so special. The citrus notes keep it crisp and refreshing, while the vanilla rounds everything out with a soft, aromatic finish. It’s a combination that feels comforting and celebratory all at once, like a creamsicle for grown-ups, but with a refined edge. Pair it with sparkling soda or tonic for effervescence, and you’ve got a cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

This drink is also versatile enough for year-round enjoyment. In the warmer months, it’s the perfect sipper for patio evenings, picnics, or summer parties. In the cooler seasons, the vanilla notes bring a cozy element that makes it feel right at home at holiday gatherings or fireside happy hours. It’s a recipe that adapts to the moment, making it one you’ll want to keep in your cocktail repertoire.

Another bonus? It’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and no complicated steps, you can mix this highball in minutes. Serve it over ice in a tall glass, garnish with a slice of fresh orange or even a twist of zest, and you’ve got yourself a very delicious adult beverage!

Whether you’re a seasoned home bartender or just dipping your toes into cocktail-making, this Orange Vanilla Highball with our Rodelle Fiori di Sicilia is a recipe worth trying. 

Ingredients

Orange Vanilla Highball

  • 1 ½ oz. (30.5g) Orange Vanilla Shrub  
  • 2 oz. (49g) Maker’s Mark Bourbon  
  • 2-3 oz. (59-89g) Seltzer Water 

  

Orange Vanilla Shrub 

  •  1 ½ cup (345g)Rice Vinegar 
  • 1 cup (198g) Sugar 
  • 2 ½ tsp. (7.5g) Rodelle Fiori di Sicilia Flavor 
  • ¼ cup (62g) Fresh Orange Juice
Uses
Occasions
Directions
  1. In a medium pot, add the rice vinegar, sugar, Rodelle Fiori di Sicilia Flavor, and Fresh orange juice. Bring the pot to a boil while stirring occasionally, then move to a heat-safe container and move to the fridge to cool. 
  2. Once cooled, add to a tall glass along with bourbon, then top with ice. Add in the seltzer water and enjoy.

 

This recipe was prepared by Morgan Osborne for Rodelle, part of ADM's culinary team.