When you want a drink that proves less is more, this Whiskey Highball delivers refreshing sophistication through just two ingredients – quality whiskey and sparkling water – combined in perfect proportions that allow the spirit’s character to shine. The effervescence of the soda water opens up the whiskey’s flavors while creating a lighter, more sessionable drink that’s perfect for warm weather or extended evening sipping. Each sip delivers the whiskey’s distinctive notes enhanced by carbonation, with optional citrus adding bright aromatics that elevate this minimalist classic. Perfect for appreciating good whiskey in a relaxed format, impressing guests with understated elegance, or simply enjoying a sophisticated drink without fuss, this recipe serves 1 person and takes just 2 minutes to prepare.
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Serves: 1 person
What You’ll Need
For the drink:
- 2 ounces whiskey (Japanese whisky traditional, but bourbon or rye work beautifully)
- 4-6 ounces chilled sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes or one large ice cube
For garnish options:
- Lemon peel
- Lime wedge
- Orange twist
- Fresh mint sprig
Choosing Your Whiskey
Select a quality whiskey you enjoy drinking neat. The highball format highlights the spirit’s character, so inferior whiskey will be obvious. Japanese whisky is traditional, but any good whiskey works.
Understanding the Ratio
The classic ratio is 1 part whiskey to 2-3 parts soda water. Start with 1:2 for a stronger drink, or 1:3 for something lighter and more refreshing.
Ice Matters
Use fresh, clean ice that hasn’t absorbed freezer odors. One large ice cube or sphere is ideal as it melts slowly, maintaining proper dilution without over-watering the drink.
Chilling the Glass
Place your highball or Collins glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before making the drink, or fill it with ice water while you gather ingredients. A cold glass keeps the drink properly chilled.
Adding the Ice
Fill your chilled glass with ice, leaving room at the top for the whiskey and soda. If using a large ice cube, place it in the glass first.
Pouring the Whiskey
Measure and pour the whiskey over the ice. The measurement ensures consistency and helps you understand how strong you prefer your highball.
The Gentle Pour
Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. Pouring too quickly or directly onto ice releases bubbles too fast.
Minimal Stirring
Give the drink just one or two gentle stirs with a bar spoon. Over-stirring releases carbonation and dilutes the drink too quickly.
The Perfect Bubble
The drink should have a gentle effervescence throughout, with bubbles rising steadily. This carbonation is what makes the highball so refreshing and aromatic.
Expressing Citrus Oils
If using a lemon peel, express the oils over the drink by holding it over the glass and giving it a firm twist. Rub the peel around the rim before dropping it in.
Simple Garnishing
A simple lemon or lime wedge squeezed into the drink adds brightness without overwhelming the whiskey. Keep garnishes minimal and purposeful.
Serving Immediately
Serve the highball as soon as it’s made while the carbonation is at its peak and the drink is perfectly cold. Highballs don’t benefit from sitting.
Sipping Slowly
The beauty of a highball is its sessionability – it’s meant to be sipped slowly over time, staying refreshing from first sip to last.
Temperature Consistency
As the ice melts, the drink becomes more diluted but should remain cold and pleasant. This gradual evolution is part of the highball experience.
Japanese Tradition
In Japan, the highball (ハイボール) is incredibly popular and often enjoyed with meals. The light, refreshing nature pairs beautifully with food.
Sparkling Water Quality
Use quality sparkling water or club soda. The water’s flavor and carbonation level directly impact the final drink, so choose wisely.
Customization Options
Try different whiskeys to discover your preference – each brings unique flavors. Experiment with the ratio to find your ideal strength and refreshment balance.
Food Pairing
Highballs pair excellently with fried foods, grilled meats, or sushi. The carbonation cuts through rich flavors while the whiskey adds complexity.
Seasonal Variations
In summer, add fresh herbs like mint or basil. In winter, a dash of bitters adds warming spice notes that complement the whiskey.
The No-Garnish Approach
Many purists serve highballs with no garnish at all, allowing the whiskey and water to speak entirely for themselves in perfect simplicity.
Making Multiples
For parties, set up a highball station with quality whiskey, chilled soda water, ice, and garnishes. Let guests build their own to preference.
Budget-Friendly
The highball format makes expensive whiskey go further while still allowing you to appreciate its qualities. It’s economical without sacrificing enjoyment.
Historical Context
The highball gained popularity in America during the late 1800s and experienced a major resurgence in Japan, where it became a cultural phenomenon.
Proper Glassware
While any tall glass works, a traditional highball glass (8-12 ounces) provides the right proportions and keeps the drink at optimal temperature.
This Whiskey Highball proves that the most sophisticated drinks often require the fewest ingredients. By respecting quality spirits and understanding the role of carbonation and temperature, you can create a drink that’s both refreshing and complex, showing that elegance comes from restraint and that sometimes the best cocktails are the simplest ones executed with care and attention to detail.
