Whiskey Highball
Classicrefreshingeasycrisp
Ingredients
- Japanese or Scotch Whisky45 ml
- Soda water135 ml
Switch between ml and US units above. Recipes are designed for home mixing.
Glass
Highball
Garnish
Lemon twist (optional)
Method
- 01Fill a highball glass with cold ice (use one large clear cube if possible).
- 02Pour the whisky over the ice.
- 03Slowly add chilled soda water without splashing.
- 04Stir once with a bar spoon, lifting from the bottom.
About this drink
More on the Whiskey Highball
What it tastes like
A long, fizzy finish. Overall it reads as refreshing.
Why this recipe works
Stirring keeps the Whiskey Highball silky and lets the spirit stay centre-stage — there's no citrus to froth, so dilution and chill come from gentle contact with ice rather than aeration.
Ingredient tips
- Open mixers as late as possible and pour gently — flat fizz makes a tall drink feel tired.
When to serve it
Serve on a warm afternoon, with plenty of ice.
Common mistakes
- Over-stirring. Stop once the outside of the mixing glass is cold and frosted — usually 20–30 seconds.
- Pouring mixers in early or hard. Add them last, down the side of the glass, to keep the fizz.
Variations to try
- Top with tonic water instead of soda for a drier, more bitter finish.
- No soda water? Try Sparkling water as a substitute (good swap).
