Whiskey Highball

The Whiskey Highball is the epitome of elegant simplicity, a tall, sparkling drink that highlights the character of the base spirit. It consists of just two main ingredients: whiskey and a carbonated mixer, typically soda water or club soda. Served over ice in a tall glass, it's a light, refreshing, and effervescent cocktail. Its simplicity allows the nuances of the chosen whiskey to shine through, making it a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts.
Whiskey Highball

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Whiskey Highball is a classic cocktail belonging to the Highball category. Highballs are defined by a base spirit mixed with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic carbonated mixer. It is a simple, refreshing, and widely enjoyed drink.

Serving

Served cold in a tall, pre-chilled Highball glass over quality ice. Its alcohol content is relatively low, making it a refreshing and easy-drinking cocktail.
Serving size
~200-240 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
~10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
Pre-chilled glass

Backstory

The Highball's origins are debated, but it rose to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the UK and USA. The name is thought to have originated from either railroad signaling or a term used in old English golf clubs for a tall glass. The drink's popularity surged in Japan post-WWII, where it was perfected into an art form, emphasizing precision, quality ice, and high carbonation.
Origin
United Kingdom / United States, late 19th century.

Whiskey Highball

The drink is widely known as the Whiskey Highball. A common variation, particularly in the UK, is called a "Scotch and Soda." The term "Japanese Highball" refers to a meticulously prepared version popular in Japan. Sometimes, it is simply referred to as a "Highball," though this can mean any spirit and soda combination.
Original name
Whiskey Highball
Alternative names
  • Scotch and Soda
  • Highball
  • Japanese Highball

Characteristics overview

This is a crisp, clean, and effervescent drink where the primary flavor and aroma are that of the chosen whiskey, lightened and lifted by bubbles. Its taste is spirit-forward but highly refreshing, with a texture that is light and bubbly on the palate.
Flavor
Whiskey-forward, clean, crisp, subtly sweet, oaky, smoky
Aroma
Whiskey notes, grain, oak, fruit, peat, bright, fresh
Taste balance
Spirit-forward, diluted, slightly bitter, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, short, reflects the base whiskey
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent, sparkling
Color appearance
Pale gold to amber, clear, bubbly
Texture
Light, thin, crisp, effervescent
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, summery, suitable for all seasons

Flavor intensity & Experience

The drink is generally light and refreshing, with moderate alcohol strength and high carbonation. The flavor profile is driven by the base whiskey, with minimal sweetness, sourness, or bitterness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You only need two main ingredients for a Whiskey Highball: your preferred whiskey and a quality, highly carbonated soda water. The choice of whiskey will define the drink's final character.
  • Whiskey60 ml / 2 oz
    Japanese whisky, Scotch, Bourbon, or Rye all work well.
  • Soda Water120-180 ml / 4-6 oz, or to top
    Highly carbonated and well-chilled club soda is preferred.

Ice type

  • Cubed, Block, Sphere

Mixing equipments

You will only need a bar spoon to gently combine the ingredients directly in the serving glass. No shaker or mixing glass is required for this built drink.
  • Bar spoon for gentle stirring

Instructions

The process is simple: build the drink directly in a chilled, ice-filled highball glass by adding whiskey, then soda water, and giving it a single gentle stir. Finish by expressing a lemon twist over the top for aroma.
1. Chill a highball glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
2. Fill the chilled glass to the top with high-quality, clear ice cubes or a single large ice spear.
3. Pour the whiskey over the ice.
4. Top with chilled soda water, pouring it gently down the side of the glass or the bar spoon to preserve as much carbonation as possible.
5. Give the drink one single, gentle stir from bottom to top with a bar spoon to integrate the ingredients without losing fizz.
6. Express a lemon peel over the drink's surface to release its oils, then drop it into the glass as a garnish.

Garnishing

A simple lemon twist is the classic garnish, adding bright citrus oils that complement the whiskey. Some variations might use a different citrus peel or no garnish at all for a purer taste.
  • Lemon Twist: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and egg-free. While the distillation process removes most gluten proteins, those with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease should be cautious.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Whiskey Highball is a low-calorie and low-sugar cocktail, as its main components are spirits and unsweetened soda water. It contains virtually no carbohydrates or sugar, making it a lighter choice.
Calories
averagely 120-150 kcal / 502-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 0-1 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 0-1 g
Sugar level

Occasions

The Whiskey Highball is a versatile drink suitable for almost any occasion. It is an excellent choice for a casual happy hour, a refreshing summer sipper, or a light aperitif before a meal.
  • Happy Hour
  • Casual get-together
  • Summer party
  • Pre-dinner drink

Pairing suggestions

Its clean and refreshing nature makes the Whiskey Highball an excellent companion for a wide range of foods. It pairs particularly well with rich, savory, or fried dishes like Japanese izakaya fare, grilled meats, and salty snacks, as its effervescence cleanses the palate. It is also a surprisingly good match for delicate flavors like sushi.
  • Grilled meats
  • Fried foods like Japanese Karaage or Tempura
  • Salty snacks and appetizers
  • Sushi and sashimi

The Whiskey Highball: A Masterclass in Simplicity

The Whiskey Highball is a testament to the idea that simplicity can be sublime. Comprising just whiskey, soda water, and ice, it is a supremely refreshing and versatile cocktail. Its character is entirely dependent on the quality of its components, from the spirit to the ice and carbonation. Perfected in Japan but enjoyed globally, the Highball is a timeless classic for any occasion, offering a light yet flavorful way to appreciate a good whiskey.

Variations

Scotch and Soda

A simple and refreshing highball that showcases the character of Scotch whisky with the crisp effervescence of soda water.

Japanese Highball

A hyper-carbonated, crisp, and clean cocktail that elevates Japanese whisky with premium soda water and precise technique.

Whiskey and Coke

A simple and iconic highball pairing the complex notes of whiskey with the crisp, caramel flavor of cola.