Whiskey Highball Cocktail Recipe

Unwind after a long day with the timeless classic, the Whiskey Highball. It’s time to class up this joint!

Legend has it that the whiskey highball takes its name from the days when steam locomotives ruled the railways. When a ball rose in one of the duct lines, it was a sign to the train engineers that the boiler was ready to go. It was also a signal to the engineers that they could take a cocktail break, hence the whiskey highball.

Whether or not that story is part hyperbole, completely true, or a bunch of hogwash, it makes a great tale to share when toasting with this classic two-ingredient beverage. The whiskey highball is a simple mash-up of whiskey and soda, sometimes topped with a twist of citrus. Highballs are super popular in Japan, and with its legendary history in the U.S., it might just be a perfect example of East meets West.

The whiskey highball is a great drink to share with friends or relax after a long day. If you want to mix things up a bit, you can always follow the highball with a Whiskey Sour or the classic Moscow Mule. Whatever your pleasure, go ahead, jump on board, and enjoy!

Why You Will Love This Recipe //

With just two ingredients, it’s easy to find what you need in the liquor cabinet. But it’s also super-versatile. You can change the proportions, type of whiskey, or soda, all based on your preference.

Ingredients //

A simple recipe for a lip-smacking drink. Here’s what you’ll need:

2 oz of a whiskey of your choice
6 oz club soda
Optional: lemon slice for decoration

Bar Equipment Needed //

A highball glass: The tall size allows room for the soda to fizz and interact with the whiskey.
A jigger or measuring tool
A stirrer
A knife and a cutting board (optional)

How to Make // The Steps

Step 1: Start by filling a tall glass with ice.

Step 2: Pour your preferred whiskey over the ice.

Step 3: Complete the glass with the club soda.

Step 4: To combine the ingredients, stir lightly. Feel free to add a zing with a lemon slice as garnish.

Tips & Tricks For a Perfect Whiskey Highball

Fill up the highball glass with ice. Lots of ice will not only chill the cocktail but also subtly dilutes the whiskey for a perfectly balanced highball.
Don’t overstir. Part of the elegance of the whiskey highball is the fizz. Just give the drink a gentle swirl to mingle the flavors.

FAQs

Which whiskey should I use?

The world is your oyster (or whiskey in this case, I suppose). Japanese whiskeys work well in highballs, but you can also use Scotch or rye.

Any other variations on the highball?

If you’re out of soda water or want a different flair, use ginger ale or ginger beer. You can also use different garnishes such as oranges, grapefruits, or even a sprig of mint.

Can I prep this cocktail before a party?

Because the fizz is important, it’s best to make and serve immediately. If it helps, you can measure out the whiskey into glasses beforehand and have the garnishes already cut.

Whiskey Highball Variations Worth Trying //

Low-Carb Whiskey Highball: For a healthier twist, use a zero-calorie sparkling water instead of traditional soda water.
Highland Highball: Scotch whiskey will add a smoky flair to the traditional highball.
Non-Alcoholic Highball: Keep the spirit of the original drink but use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or ginger ale and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

How to Store //

The Whiskey Highball is best when it’s prepared and consumed during the same sitting. The fizz of the club soda is key to the drink, so it doesn’t prepare well in advance—and it won’t store well either. The good news is that it’s easy to make one at a time; if you want some whiskey leftovers, consider baking some Whiskey Cake, which you can pack up and take to work the next day without repercussion.