Whiskey Highball

What is a Japanese Whisky Highball?

A Japanese Whisky Highball is a simple and refreshing beverage that combines Japanese Whisky with highly carbonated club soda. This drink emphasizes precision and ritual in its preparation, reflecting the meticulous nature of Japanese craftsmanship. The Japanese Whisky imparts a distinct and often delicate flavor profile, characterized by its smoothness and balance. 

What is the difference between a Whiskey lowball and a Whiskey Highball?

A Whiskey Highball and a Whiskey Lowball differ primarily in the glassware and the serving style. The drink typically uses a tall, straight-sided highball glass. It combines Whiskey with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, usually club soda, served over ice, making it a refreshing and effervescent drink. In contrast, a Whiskey Lowball, often referred to as an Old Fashioned, is usually served in a short, wide tumbler or lowball glass, and it traditionally consists of Whiskey, a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a couple of ice cubes, offering a more concentrated and robust whiskey flavor.

Best Whiskey for a Whiskey Highball

Your choice of Whiskey can significantly impact the drink’s final taste. For a smooth and balanced flavor, a blend like Jameson Irish Whiskey works wonders, offering a light and floral profile that melds seamlessly with the bubblyness of the club soda. A rye whiskey like Bulleit Rye can elevate your Highball to new heights if you prefer a bit more complexity and spice. For those who lean towards sweeter notes, a bourbon such as Buffalo Trace is an excellent option, imparting rich caramel and vanilla tones to the mix. However, if you’re aiming for a crisp and refreshing Highball with a hint of smokiness, Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky is a great choice. Ultimately, the best Whiskey for the drink aligns with your taste preferences, but starting with a versatile and well-regarded brand like Jameson can set you on the path to creating a delightful drink.

Whiskey Highball Variations

Feel the need to add a twist to your Whiskey Highball? Try one of our recommended variations:

• Ginger Highball: A spicy kick from ginger ale transforms this classic, adding a sweet and zesty flavor. The ginger’s spice perfectly complements the whiskey, creating an energizing and vibrant mix that I personally find irresistible. The blend of ginger’s heat with the whiskey’s depth offers a refreshing twist I always enjoy.
• Bourbon Highball: With bourbon whiskey, this drink becomes sweeter and fuller, elevating the traditional highball. Vanilla and caramel notes from the bourbon enrich the experience, making it complex and rounded. It’s a comforting choice that’s perfect for relaxing moments.
• Peach Highball: Peach nectar or liqueur adds a fruity and sweet dimension, making the drink more aromatic and refreshing. This version is ideal for hot days, with the peach enhancing the whiskey’s flavors in a harmonious and inviting way.
• Rye Highball: Rye whiskey brings a spicier, more robust edge to the table. Its bold character and peppery notes offer a contrast to the mixer’s fizz, resulting in a dynamic and invigorating drink that appeals to those who like a bit of edge.
• Japanese Highball: This drink highlights the smoothness of Japanese whisky and the crispness of sparkling water, thanks to its precise balance and careful preparation. I admire this version for its elegance and simplicity, which not only showcases the whisky’s quality but also the art of making something sophisticated yet refreshingly simple.

History and Origins of the Whiskey Highball

Its origin traces back to the late 19th century, with the first recorded mention around the 1890s. The term “highball” reportedly comes from the old railroad signal for “clear track,” symbolized by a ball positioned high on a pole, reflecting the drink’s clear, straightforward nature.

The British are credited with the invention of this refreshing concoction during the late Victorian era. They initially mixed Whiskey with carbonated water, aiming to create a lighter, more refreshing beverage that would appeal to a broader audience. The drink quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in British clubs and bars.