Whiskey Highball Recipe: When it comes to refreshing, minimalist cocktails that highlight the beauty of the base spirit, the Whiskey Highball is in a league of its own. Rooted in simplicity and elegance, this timeless drink has found its way from smoky bars in Tokyo to chic cocktail lounges in New York. It’s not just a drink—it’s a ritual. With only two main ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to make, but those who master it know there’s an art to getting it just right.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Whiskey Highball—from selecting the right ingredients to the step-by-step process of putting it all together. Whether you’re a home bartender or just getting into whiskey, this is a must-have recipe in your cocktail arsenal.
What Is a Whiskey Highball?
A Whiskey Highball is a cocktail made with whiskey and a carbonated mixer—typically soda water—served over ice in a tall glass. The drink’s origins trace back to late 19th-century Japan, where bartenders prioritized balance, clarity, and technique. In the modern world, it’s praised for its lightness and ease of sipping, especially on hot summer days.
Unlike many whiskey cocktails that are spirit-forward and bold, the Highball is more delicate and effervescent. It allows the whiskey to shine through without overwhelming the palate. This makes it ideal for newcomers to whiskey as well as connoisseurs who appreciate a clean, crisp profile.
Why You’ll Love the Whiskey Highball
Here’s why the Whiskey Highball has stood the test of time and continues to grow in popularity around the world:
- Simplicity: Just two main ingredients—whiskey and soda water.
- Versatility: You can use almost any type of whiskey, from Japanese to Irish.
- Refreshingly Light: Unlike heavy, boozy cocktails, this one is light and bubbly.
- Perfect Anytime: Whether it’s a weekday evening or a Saturday brunch, the Highball fits in.
Think of the Whiskey Highball as the “sparkling water” of the cocktail world—hydrating, crisp, and pleasantly boozy without being overpowering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Whiskey Highball starts with choosing the right ingredients. Here’s your shopping list:
Basic Ingredients:
- Whiskey (1.5 to 2 oz) – Your choice (Japanese whiskey like Suntory Toki, bourbon, or Scotch)
- Soda water (4 to 6 oz) – Choose a high-quality club soda or sparkling water
- Ice – Preferably clear, large cubes to avoid dilution
- Optional Garnish: Lemon twist, mint sprig, or a lime wedge
Pro Tips for Ingredients:
- Use freshly opened soda water to ensure maximum carbonation.
- Don’t skimp on the whiskey quality—even mid-shelf options make a difference.
- Avoid flavored sparkling water unless you’re intentionally making a twist on the classic.
Tools You’ll Need
Making a Whiskey Highball doesn’t require a bar full of equipment, but having the right tools can elevate the experience.
- Highball glass (10-12 oz): Tall and narrow to help preserve carbonation
- Bar spoon: For gentle stirring
- Jigger or measuring cup: For accuracy
- Ice mold (optional): For clear, large ice cubes
Remember, the key to a high-quality cocktail is consistency. Accurate measuring tools and clean glassware go a long way.
How to Make a Whiskey Highball – Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break it down so you can master the Highball from the very first pour.
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Place your highball glass in the freezer for about 10 minutes before making your drink. A cold glass keeps your cocktail icy and helps maintain carbonation longer.
Step 2: Add Ice
Use large, clear ice cubes to reduce dilution. Fill the glass all the way to the top. The more ice, the better—it keeps the drink cold and slows melting.
Step 3: Pour the Whiskey
Measure 1.5 to 2 oz of whiskey using a jigger and pour it directly over the ice. The whiskey should gently chill as it hits the cold cubes.
Step 4: Top with Soda Water
Slowly pour 4 to 6 oz of chilled soda water into the glass. Pour down the side or over the back of a spoon to keep carbonation intact.
Step 5: Stir Gently
Use a bar spoon to stir the drink just once or twice—enough to blend, but not enough to lose the fizz.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add a simple garnish like a lemon twist or mint sprig if you want, but it’s totally optional. The drink is beautiful in its simplicity.
Choosing the Right Whiskey for Your Highball
The beauty of a Whiskey Highball is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the whiskey to suit your taste or match the occasion. But make no mistake: the choice of whiskey dramatically affects the final flavor. Here’s how to choose the perfect one.
Japanese Whiskey
Japanese whiskey is perhaps the most iconic choice for a highball. Brands like Suntory Toki, Nikka Days, or Hakushu are crisp, clean, and subtly complex—ideal for a drink that emphasizes balance. These whiskeys often have a delicate, floral note that pairs exceptionally well with soda water.
American Bourbon
Want something richer? Go for a smooth bourbon. Bourbon brings warm, sweet flavors—think vanilla, caramel, and spice. A highball made with Buffalo Trace, Maker’s Mark, or Evan Williams will be more robust, perfect for evenings when you want a little more punch.
Scotch or Irish Whiskey
For a slightly smoky twist, try Scotch. Brands like Monkey Shoulder or Glenmorangie are excellent highball companions. If you prefer something smoother, Jameson or Redbreast (Irish whiskey) are fantastic choices with soft, mellow flavors that shine in a highball.
Pro Tip:
Try different whiskeys with the same ratio to discover how dramatically the character of the drink changes. It’s a simple way to explore the whiskey world, one highball at a time.
Best Club Soda Brands for Whiskey Highball
Not all club sodas are created equal. Since soda water makes up over half of your drink, choosing a good one is just as important as picking your whiskey.
Top Recommended Brands:
- Fever-Tree Club Soda
- Very fine bubbles, clean taste, adds elegance to your highball.
- Q Club Soda
- Extra carbonated with added minerals—amazing mouthfeel.
- Topo Chico Sparkling Mineral Water
- Not technically soda water but widely loved for its strong fizz and slight salinity.
- Schweppes or Canada Dry
- Affordable and widely available; go with these if you’re in a pinch.
What to Look For:
- High Carbonation: Tiny, persistent bubbles give your drink a lift.
- Neutral Flavor: You don’t want strong mineral notes overpowering the whiskey.
- Cold Temperature: Always use freshly opened, very cold soda water to maximize fizz.
Tips for the Perfect Whiskey Highball
Even though the Highball seems simple, there are a few tricks to really elevate it. Think of it like making a perfect cup of tea—it’s all about the little details.
- Use Large, Clear Ice: Cloudy, fast-melting ice can dilute the drink too fast. Use large cubes or a single ice spear if possible.
- Chill All Components: Cold glass + cold whiskey + cold soda = longer-lasting fizz.
- Mind the Ratio: The sweet spot is generally 1 part whiskey to 3 parts soda, but adjust it depending on how strong or light you like it.
- Stir Just Once or Twice: Overstirring kills carbonation.
- Serve Immediately: Don’t let it sit too long or it’ll go flat.
Following these simple steps will turn your ordinary highball into a refreshing, bar-quality cocktail you’ll be proud to serve.
Flavor Variations of the Whiskey Highball
Once you’ve nailed the classic recipe, it’s time to have some fun. The Highball is incredibly flexible. A little twist in ingredients can create a whole new drink.
Citrus Twist
- Add a lemon or orange twist for brightness.
- Try a splash of yuzu juice for a Japanese-style twist.
Herbal Infusions
- Muddle a sprig of mint or rosemary at the bottom before adding the ice.
- Use an herbal soda like basil-lime sparkling water.
Spiced Highball
- Add a dash of Angostura or orange bitters.
- Try ginger soda instead of club soda for a warmer, spicier profile.
Fruity Highball
- Top with flavored sparkling water like peach, blackberry, or apple.
- Add a splash of fresh fruit juice (apple pairs beautifully with bourbon).
Get creative, but keep the base ratio in mind so you don’t overwhelm the whiskey.
Low-Calorie or Diet Whiskey Highball Options
Watching calories? The Whiskey Highball is actually one of the lightest cocktails you can drink—especially if you stick with soda water and skip sugary mixers.
Calorie Breakdown (Standard Whiskey Highball):
- Whiskey (1.5 oz): ~105 calories
- Soda water (no sugar): 0 calories
- Total: 105 calories
Low-Calorie Tips:
- Use a low-proof whiskey or go for a smaller pour.
- Choose unsweetened club soda—never tonic water (which has sugar).
- Add citrus or herbs for flavor without the calories.
You get flavor, satisfaction, and refreshment—all without blowing your daily count.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with only two ingredients, a Whiskey Highball can go wrong. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Using Warm Soda Water: Always chill your mixer.
- Overdiluting: Avoid small or crushed ice; it melts too fast.
- Improper Glass: Tall, narrow glasses help maintain carbonation.
- Stirring Too Much: A quick stir is all you need.
- Poor Whiskey Choice: Don’t use bottom-shelf stuff. It’ll show.
Fixing these will instantly boost your Highball game, guaranteed.
Serving Suggestions
The Whiskey Highball is great for just about any occasion. It’s easy to make, looks classy, and won’t overwhelm the palate.
When to Serve:
- Pre-dinner drinks
- Summer BBQs
- Late-night wind-down
- Cocktail parties
Food Pairings:
- Sushi or sashimi (pairs beautifully with Japanese whiskey)
- Grilled meats
- Cheese boards
- Spicy foods (the fizz helps cleanse the palate)
It’s one of the rare cocktails that works as both a standalone sipper and a food-friendly beverage.
Whiskey Highball vs. Other Whiskey Cocktails
Let’s break it down—what makes a Highball different?
| Cocktail | Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highball | Whiskey + Soda Water | Light, bubbly, refreshing | Very Easy |
| Old Fashioned | Whiskey, sugar, bitters | Strong, sweet, aromatic | Moderate |
| Whiskey Sour | Whiskey, lemon, sugar, egg white | Tart, creamy, bold | Medium |
| Manhattan | Whiskey, vermouth, bitters | Rich, complex, boozy | Complex |
The Highball is for those who want something clean and easy—no shaking, muddling, or syrup-making required.
FAQs about Whiskey Highball Recipe
1. Can I use flavored soda?
Yes, but it will change the flavor of the drink. Stick to subtle flavors like lemon or yuzu if you want to keep the balance.
2. What’s the ideal whiskey to soda ratio?
1:3 is the most common ratio. That means 2 oz whiskey to 6 oz soda water. Adjust based on your taste.
3. Can I batch-make Whiskey Highballs?
It’s not recommended. The soda will lose its carbonation quickly. Always make it fresh.
4. Is it okay to use ice from my freezer?
Sure, but clear ice is best. If your freezer ice is cloudy or tastes off, consider using filtered water and an ice mold.
5. What’s the difference between soda water and tonic?
Tonic water contains sugar and quinine, which adds bitterness. Soda water is just carbonated water, perfect for Highballs.
Conclusion
The Whiskey Highball might be one of the simplest cocktails you can make, but don’t let that fool you—it’s also one of the most elegant. With the right whiskey, crisp soda water, and a little attention to detail, you’ll have a drink that’s refreshing, classy, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re sipping on your porch in the summer, kicking back after work, or entertaining guests, this timeless drink will never let you down.
