Whiskey Highball
A testament to the philosophy that simplicity can yield profound elegance. This masterful blend of whiskey and soda water showcases the nuances of the base spirit while providing refreshing character that has transcended cultures from 19th-century England to modern Japan.
13%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Whiskey Highball's precise origin is debated, with theories linking the name to 19th-century American railroad signals or English pub slang. The first documented 'High Ball' recipe appeared in 1895. After World War II, Suntory heavily promoted the highball in Japan, where it became deeply embedded in drinking culture. The Japanese approach, with its meticulous attention to technique and temperature, has influenced the modern global appreciation of this simple yet perfect drink.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
2 oz
4 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a highball glass by filling with ice cubes and stirring until frosted
Discard any melted water from chilling
Pour the chilled whisky over the ice
Stir gently to further chill the whisky
Top with chilled soda water, pouring down the side to preserve carbonation
Give one final, gentle stir to combine
Glassware
Tall, narrow-mouthed highball glass to retain carbonation
Garnish
Express oils over drink
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
All components must be thoroughly chilled for optimal refreshment
Use large, clear ice cubes that melt slowly
Pour soda gently to preserve maximum carbonation
The Japanese method involves precisely 13.5 clockwise stirs
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Whiskey Highball.
Scotch and Soda
The original and most fashionable version using Scotch whisky
Changes
Bourbon Highball
American version with wheated bourbon for vanilla and caramel notes
Changes
Irish Buck
Irish whiskey with ginger ale instead of soda water
Changes
Presbyterian
Equal parts club soda and ginger ale for a drier profile
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Campari & Soda
Campari and soda water with orange. The simple Italian aperitivo.
Americano
Bittersweet Campari and sweet vermouth lengthened with sparkling soda—Italy’s archetypal low‑ABV aperitivo and the Negroni’s direct parent.
Aperol Lemonade Spritz
A sunny riff—Aperol lengthened with sparkling lemonade and a splash of soda over ice for easy refreshment.