I've ordered many a whiskey & soda at my favorite dive bar. This ain't that.
The difference is in the details. It starts with the glass. A highball glass should be tall, slender and hold a mere 8-12oz. Ice cubes should be large. The soda water chilled. The whiskey should hit the sweet spot between everyday and birthday. The citrus I leave to you, just use sparingly.
Chilled Sparkling or Soda Water
Citrus Peel or Wedge
Add ice to highball glass, stir until the glass begins to chill. Drain water. Add whiskey, gently stir. Add soda water. Garnish with citrus.
