Highball Mizuwari Cocktail Drink

Highball Mizuwari

Are you craving a different kind of cocktail? You’ve got to try this Highball Mizuwari recipe! It’s a flavorful drink, simple yet delicious, and it’s a breeze to make.

Highball Mizuwari Recipe

Chase away the summer heat with our easy Highball Mizuwari recipe! Whisky, mineral water, and lots of ice make this cocktail an excellent match for a cosy dinner on a warm evening.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

142 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Japanese or Scotch Malt Whisky
  • 6 oz chilled mineral still water
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Chill Your Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes and give it a quick stir. You can also place your highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes and then fill it with ice cubes.
  • Pour Whisky: Measure 2 oz Japanese or Scotch Malt Whisky and pour it over the ice.
  • Add Soda Water: Slowly 6 oz chilled mineral still water into the glass (adjust to taste and to the size of the glass). Add more ice if necessary.
  • Stir Gently: Use your bar spoon to gently stir the Whisky, water and ice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Japanese Whisky: If you don't have Japanese or Scotch Whisky on hand, you can use bourbon or rye as a substitute. Both will give a different flavor profile but still work well in this cocktail. Bourbon is sweeter and fuller-bodied, while rye is spicier and more robust.

Making a Pitcher of Highball Mizuwari:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Whisky and 48 oz of mineral still water.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Whisky and soda water. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled highball glasses and serve immediately.

Making it Vegan:

Good news for vegans: this cocktail is already vegan-friendly! Always check your ingredient’s labels as a precaution, but most whiskies are made without using any animal products and are safe to use in a vegan cocktail.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
142
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
0.1
g
0
%
Potassium
 
1
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
24
mg
2
%
Iron
 
0.01
mg
0
%

 

Highball Mizuwari Cocktail Drink

Highball Mizuwari Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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Chase away the summer heat with our easy Highball Mizuwari recipe! Whisky, mineral water, and lots of ice make this cocktail an excellent match for a cosy dinner on a warm evening.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 142

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Japanese or Scotch Malt Whisky
  • 6 oz chilled mineral still water
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Chill Your Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes and give it a quick stir. You can also place your highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes and then fill it with ice cubes.
  • Pour Whisky: Measure 2 oz Japanese or Scotch Malt Whisky and pour it over the ice.
  • Add Soda Water: Slowly 6 oz chilled mineral still water into the glass (adjust to taste and to the size of the glass). Add more ice if necessary.
  • Stir Gently: Use your bar spoon to gently stir the Whisky, water and ice. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Japanese Whisky: If you don't have Japanese or Scotch Whisky on hand, you can use bourbon or rye as a substitute. Both will give a different flavor profile but still work well in this cocktail. Bourbon is sweeter and fuller-bodied, while rye is spicier and more robust.

Making a Pitcher of Highball Mizuwari:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Whisky and 48 oz of mineral still water.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Whisky and soda water. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled highball glasses and serve immediately.

Making it Vegan:

Good news for vegans: this cocktail is already vegan-friendly! Always check your ingredient’s labels as a precaution, but most whiskies are made without using any animal products and are safe to use in a vegan cocktail.

What is a Highball Mizuwari?

A Highball Mizuwari is a long drink made of malt Whisky, water, and ice. This drink is relatively easy to make, requiring only three ingredients and simple mixing techniques. The name “Mizuwari” translates to “mixed with water” in Japanese, which accurately describes the preparation process of this cocktail. It’s interesting to note that despite its simplicity, the Highball Mizuwari has a specific method for adding each ingredient: first, the ice cubes are added into the glass, followed by whiskey, then stirred 13,5 times clockwise; after stirring, chilled water is poured over it then stirred another 3-4 times before serving.

A side shot of a Highball Mizuwari cocktail in a highball glass on a wooden board surrounded by a cocktail shaker, a cigar and a cigar cutter

What is a Highball Mizuwari made of – The ingredients

Our guide provides clear instructions for creating your own Highball Mizuwari:

  • Malt Whisky: The base spirit of the Highball Mizuwari, it provides the primary flavor profile.
  • Chilled Mineral Still Water: Dilutes the Whisky, reducing its strength and opening its flavors.
  • Ice: Cools down the drink, making it more refreshing and enjoyable.

Whisky and mineral still water laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Highball Mizuwari?

Follow our simple guide to create your own Highball Mizuwari effortlessly:

1
<p>Start by filling a highball glass to the brim with ice. It's essential to use a lot of ice to keep the drink cold and to dilute the alcohol slightly. Stir to chill the glass, until a thin layer of water starts to form at the bottom of the glass. Once the glass is chilled, strain to remove the excess water.</p>

Start by filling a highball glass to the brim with ice. It's essential to use a lot of ice to keep the drink cold and to dilute the alcohol slightly. Stir to chill the glass, until a thin layer of water starts to form at the bottom of the glass. Once the glass is chilled, strain to remove the excess water.

2
<p>Next, pour in two ounces of your chosen malt whisky. Traditionally, a Mizuwari highball is made with Japanese or Scotch Whisky; feel free to experiment with different brands and bottles that you like. Add ice cubes so the glass is filled to the brim with ice. The more ice, the better! Stir together the whisky and the ice cubes. Tradition says it should be stirred clockwise 13,5 times, but it will make for a delicious drink even if you happen to lose count.</p>

Next, pour in two ounces of your chosen malt whisky. Traditionally, a Mizuwari highball is made with Japanese or Scotch Whisky; feel free to experiment with different brands and bottles that you like. Add ice cubes so the glass is filled to the brim with ice. The more ice, the better! Stir together the whisky and the ice cubes. Tradition says it should be stirred clockwise 13,5 times, but it will make for a delicious drink even if you happen to lose count.

3
<p>Top up with chilled mineral water. Add more ice cubes if there is some space left for it in the glass.</p>

Top up with chilled mineral water. Add more ice cubes if there is some space left for it in the glass.

4
<p>Stir 3 more times and serve immediately.</p>

Stir 3 more times and serve immediately.

Enjoy your Mizuwari highball! This refreshing and versatile drink is perfect for sipping on a hot day or serving at a party.

History and Origin of the Highball Mizuwari

The Mizuwari is a classic Japanese whisky cocktail that emphasizes simplicity and elegance. The name “Mizuwari” translates to “cut with water,” reflecting the drink’s preparation method of mixing whisky with water.

The Mizuwari cocktail has deep roots in Japanese drinking culture, originating as a method for enjoying spirits with water. This tradition, known as “mizuwari,” meaning “cut with water,” involves mixing cold water with whisky, often in a 2:1 ratio, to enhance the flavors of the spirit.

The practice of diluting spirits with water in Japan can be traced back to how shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled beverage, has long been consumed. Known as “maewari” when pre-mixed with water and left to mellow, and “oyuwari” when mixed with hot water, these methods of enjoying shochu laid the groundwork for the mizuwari tradition with whisky.

The Mizuwari is more than just a cocktail; it embodies Japanese hospitality and meticulous craftsmanship. Preparation involves specific techniques, such as stirring the whisky a precise number of times and using high-quality, mineral-rich water, often served with hand-cut ice to minimize dilution. This drink is a common fixture in Japanese izakayas (pubs) and high-end whisky bars, symbolizing a deep respect for the spirit and the guest​.

A Highball Mizuwari cocktail, shot from above, in a highball glass on a beige surface surrounded by Whisky and mineral still water

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FAQ

How many calories does a Highball Mizuwari drink contain?
A standard serving of Highball Mizuwari drink contains approximately 100-120 calories.
How strong is a Highball Mizuwari drink?
The strength of a Highball Mizuwaridrink typically ranges from 8-10% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), which translates to 16-20 proof. This makes it a relatively light cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Highball Mizuwari drink?
Highball Mizuwaridrink uses malt Whisky, generally Scotch or Japanese, as its base spirit. The choice of Whisky can significantly influence the overall flavor profile of the drink.
In what kind of glass is a Highball Mizuwari drink served?
Traditionally, a Highball Mizuwari drink is served in a highball glass, which is tall and straight-sided, allowing for the perfect ratio of Whisky to the mixer.
What does a Highball Mizuwaridrink taste like?
A Mizuwari offers a delicate and refreshing taste, highlighting the nuanced flavors of malt whisky. The addition of cold water mellows the whisky, bringing out subtle notes of malt, grain, and wood, while maintaining a smooth, light, and balanced finish. It’s perfect for the whisky lovers in search for a light, refreshing yet straightforward drink.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Mizuwari drink?
The typical ratio for a Highball Mizuwari is one part whisky to two parts soda water. However, this can be adjusted according to personal preference.
How is a Mizuwari served with ice?
A Highball Mizuwari is usually served over ice, often called "on the rocks." The drink is chilled and diluted slightly by the ice, enhancing its refreshing qualities.

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