Our simple Bourbon Highball recipe is the key to a relaxing evening! The combination of bourbon, soda water, and a touch of lemon forms a cocktail just right for fall.
Prep time: 1 minute minute
Mixing time: 1 minute minute
- 2 oz Bourbon
- 4 oz club soda - to top up
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice or twist - for garnish, optional
Fill your highball glass with ice cubes. Give it a quick stir to chill the glass.
Pour 2 oz Bourbon over the ice.
Top up the glass with approx. 4 oz club soda, adjust to taste and to the size of the glass.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
Garnish with a lemon slice or twist (express the lemon zest on top of the drink and then place it on the rim of the glass or drop it directly inside) and serve immediately.
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: You can use any Bourbon of your liking to make this recipe. Feel free to experiment with different brands and flavor profiles! If you don’t have bourbon at all, you can use rye whiskey or Scotch whisky for a different flavor profile if you don't have bourbon. For a lighter taste, try using Irish whiskey instead.
- Club Soda: You can substitute club soda with tonic water for a slightly bitter edge or ginger ale for a sweet and spicy kick.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute. Several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own bourbon substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover, and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary, and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version. For a richer drink, you may want to use ginger ale instead of club soda. In any case, keep in mind that, as the Bourbon Highball cocktail is solely made out of sparkling water & bourbon, it can be challenging to recreate its flavor using a non-alcoholic substitute; the overall flavor and mouthfeel will probably change greatly from the original drink.
Making it Vegan:
This cocktail is already vegan-friendly! Just check the labels of your Bourbon to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden animal-derived products and you’ll be able to mix up a Bourbon Highball in no time.