There’s something about simplicity that never goes out of style, and in the world of cocktails, the highball stands as a shining example of just that.
We at Drinksworld love it because the highball remains effortlessly cool in a world constantly looking for the next big trend. You don’t need to overthink it—just pour, mix, sip, and enjoy.
So, what exactly is a highball? What makes it stand out from other cocktails? And how can you whip up the perfect one?
The Basics: What is a Highball?
A highball is a cocktail that combines a base spirit with a larger portion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served over ice in a tall glass—yep, the famous highball glass. It’s all about balance, simplicity, and a refreshing finish that makes you want another sip. And that’s where its magic lies.
The Highball Formula
The basic recipe for a highball is simple: spirit + mixer + ice. That’s all there is to it. But within that simplicity lies endless potential. The highball’s versatility is what makes it so great. Want something light and refreshing? Mix gin with tonic. Looking for something a bit more robust? Try whiskey and soda. The options are limitless.
The spirit is the foundation of the highball, and this is where you get to play. Whiskey, gin, rum, vodka—whatever you have on hand, it works. Each base spirit brings its own character to the drink. Whiskey adds warmth and depth, gin brings botanical notes, rum lends a hint of sweetness, and vodka offers a clean, neutral base that lets the mixer shine.
Then comes the mixer, which makes up the bulk of the drink. Classic choices include soda water, tonic water, or cola, but feel free to experiment with ginger beer, lemonade, or even flavored sparkling waters. The key here is balance. The mixer should complement the spirit without overpowering it.
And let’s not forget the ice. Highball cocktails are meant to be cold, and that’s where the ice comes in. Fill the glass all the way to the top with ice—don’t be stingy. Not only does it keep your drink chilled, but it also slows the dilution process, so you can enjoy your cocktail without it turning watery too soon.
The Highball Glass
The highball glass is tall, slim, and elegant—designed to hold a decent amount of mixer while keeping the drink cold and refreshing. The height of the glass also helps to preserve the carbonation in your mixer, so those bubbles stay lively from the first sip to the last. Plus, it just looks great in your hand, doesn’t it?
How to Make the Perfect Highball
Now, just because a highball is simple doesn’t mean you should throw it together without a second thought. The magic of a good highball is in the little details. Here’s how we make ours:
Step 1: Start with the right glass
A highball glass is tall and slim, designed to hold ice and your drink without overwhelming you. It’s about the presentation as much as it is the practicality—the narrow shape helps keep your drink cold and your mixer fizzy.
Step 2: The ice matters
Don’t skimp on the ice. Fill that glass up. Good, solid ice that melts slowly is key here. It cools your drink but doesn’t water it down too quickly. Quality ice makes a difference, trust us on this.
Step 3: Pick your spirit and mixer
Now it’s time to choose your base. Whether it’s whiskey, gin, rum, or vodka, the ratio is usually 1 part spirit to 2 parts mixer. But hey, this isn’t set in stone. If you prefer a stronger hit of alcohol, dial up the spirit a bit. Just remember, it’s all about balance.
For mixers, soda water is the classic choice for a lighter, refreshing drink. If you’re feeling more indulgent, tonic or cola can add extra layers of flavor. Here’s a trick: pour the mixer slowly over the ice to keep those bubbles intact. You want that carbonation to give your drink a lively, sparkling finish.
Step 4: Garnish (optional but encouraged)
A slice of lime, lemon, or even a sprig of mint can take your highball to the next level. It’s a simple touch, but it elevates the whole experience. Plus, who doesn’t like a little flair?
Classic Highball Cocktails
We’ve been serving classics in bars and homes for decades, each with its twist on the highball formula
Whiskey Highball
This is the granddaddy of all highballs. It’s simple—whiskey and soda water—but it’s far from basic. The soda water opens up the whiskey, letting the flavors breathe while keeping things light and refreshing. When it comes to whiskey, Jim Beam is our preferred brand for a classic take, offering that perfect balance of smoothness and depth. In Japan, the whiskey highball is almost an art form. They’ll use perfectly carved ice, precise ratios, and often finish with a gentle stir to preserve the bubbles. For Japanese whiskies, we’re big fans of Suntory Toki, which brings a refined elegance to the highball that’s hard to beat.
Gin and Tonic
Now, here’s a highball that’s perfect for warmer weather. Gin, with its botanical and juniper notes, pairs beautifully with tonic water’s bitterness. Add a wedge of lime and you’ve got yourself a drink that’s crisp, refreshing, and endlessly satisfying. We love how gin and tonic can change depending on the gin—there are so many varieties now that you can find one that perfectly matches your mood. Feeling floral? Try a gin with lavender notes. Looking for something earthy? Go for one with more juniper.
Rum and Coke
It’s sweet, it’s bold, and it’s the life of the party. This one’s a bit more indulgent, thanks to the cola, which brings out the deeper molasses flavors in the rum. You can make it with light or dark rum, depending on how rich you want it. Squeeze in a wedge of lime and you’ve got a Cuba Libre—a little more flavor, a little more flair.
History of the Highball
The highball might seem like a modern cocktail, but this drink has a surprisingly rich history.
While there’s some debate about its exact origin, most agree that the highball first gained popularity in the late 19th century, starting in America. The name itself—”highball”—was likely a reference to railroad terminology. Back in the day, a highball signal was used to indicate that a train could proceed at full speed. Similarly, the highball cocktail was served quickly, combining just a couple of ingredients for an efficient yet satisfying drink.
But then, something interesting happened: Japan embraced the highball and made it an art form. Japanese bartenders took the simplicity of the drink and elevated it to near perfection. They focused on craftsmanship—precision, balance, and the finest ingredients. In Japan, the whiskey highball, known simply as the “highball,” is almost a ritual. It’s about quality whiskey, soda water, and ice, crafted with such care that every sip is crisp and refreshing. If you want to experience this level of refinement, check out our Japanese Highball cocktail recipe.
The highball continues to be a beloved cocktail, cherished for its refreshing simplicity and versatility, making it a perfect choice for any occasion while allowing for endless experimentation with flavors and ingredients.
