Our simple Japanese Highball recipe is your ticket to unwind! The blend of whiskey and soda water creates a refreshing cocktail perfect for the fall season.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
142
Ingredients
- 2 oz Whisk(e)y - Scotch or Japanese
- 4 oz soda water
- Ice cubes
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Bar spoon or long stirrer
Instructions
- Chill Glass (optional): If you want, you can put your highball glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing the drink. This will ensure the drink remains cold for a longer period of time and minimize dilution.
- Add Whisky: Pour 2 oz Whisk(e)y into the chilled glass.
- Fill Glass with ice: Fill the glass with a generous amount of ice cubes.
- Add Soda Water: Top-up with 4 oz soda water.
- Stir: Using a bar spoon or long stirrer, stir gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Whisky: Almost any kind of whisky or whiskey will work for this recipe. If you don't have Whisky, you can use bourbon as a substitute. It has a sweeter and fuller-bodied flavor that works well in this cocktail. Alternatively, you can use rye for a spicier kick, or even Irish whiskey.
- Soda Water: Any type of fizzy, no-sugar added water will work for this cocktail (club soda, sparkling water, seltzer water…). They all add the necessary fizz to the drink.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Whisky Substitute: I use a non-alcoholic whisky substitute for a non-alcoholic version. There are several brands available that mimic the flavor of Whisky quite well. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own whisky substitute by making a strong brewed black or smoked tea: use 10g of tea for 1L (34 oz) of cold water. Stir well and let it infuse overnight in the fridge. Give it a taste, add some spices to taste (if necessary) and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whisky” can be kept for up to a week. You can also add 1 dash of Angostura bitters to your drink to give it a spicy kick (2 dashes of bitter in an otherwise alcohol-free drink won’t raise the overall ABV of the drink. The drink will indeed chemically contain a drop of alcohol, but won’t make you intoxicated at all. Depending on your reason for not drinking alcohol and your degree of tolerance on the topic, this can also be a suitable option.)
- Proceed As Usual: I use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular Whisky, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
Good news for vegans - this drink is already vegan-friendly! Just check your ingredients' labels to ensure they don't contain any hidden animal-derived products.What is a Japanese Highball?
A Japanese Highball is a whisky-based cocktail made of a blend of whiskey (usually Japanese or Scotch), and soda water. It’s known for its refreshing taste and lightness on the palate, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy sipping their Whisky but want something less intense than a straight pour.
What is a Japanese Highball made of – The ingredients
You’ll require these ingredients to concoct a Japanese Highball:
- Japanese or Scotch Whisky: The base of the Highball provides the drink with its characteristic robust and smoky flavor.
- Soda Water: Used to dilute the Whisk(e)y and add a refreshing fizziness to the drink.
- Ice Cubes: They chill the drink without diluting it too much, maintaining the integrity of the Whisky’s flavor.
