A highball drink is a simple cocktail typically made with a spirit, like whiskey or vodka, mixed with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, such as soda or tonic.
A highball is a classic mixed drink made with a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, typically served over ice in a tall glass. Simple yet refreshing, highballs are perfect for casual sipping and easy to customize with different spirits and mixers.
The Origins of the Highball
The highball’s history is as fizzy as the drink itself. The term likely originated in the late 1800s, with two competing theories:
- Railroad Theory: Inspired by 19th-century train signals where a raised ball meant “clear track ahead”
- Bartender Slang: English bartenders called whiskey drinks “balls,” with tall glasses being “high” versions
Originally made with Scotch whisky and soda water, today’s highballs often use ginger ale as the mixer. In Japan, highballs (called chūhai) are extremely popular, with various mixers specified by suffixes like -hai.
Highball vs. Cocktail: What’s the Difference?
While all highballs are cocktails, not all cocktails are highballs. The key differences:
| Highball | Cocktail |
|---|---|
| Simple 2-3 ingredients | Can have multiple ingredients |
| Served in tall glass with ice | May be served in various glasses |
| Spirit + carbonated mixer | More complex flavor combinations |
As cocktail expert Gary Regan notes in “The Joy of Mixology,” the highball’s simplicity mimics a train signal – two short whistles (ounces of whiskey) followed by one long pour (of mixer).
How to Make the Perfect Highball
Essential Ingredients
You only need three things for a basic highball:
- Base spirit: Whiskey is traditional, but any liquor works
- Carbonated mixer: Ginger ale, club soda, or tonic water
- Ice: Always use fresh, high-quality ice
Classic Whiskey Highball Recipe
Here’s the standard preparation:
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes
- Add 2 oz of your preferred whiskey
- Top with 4-6 oz of ginger ale or club soda
- Gently stir just once or twice
- Garnish with a lime wedge (optional)
For the best results, use a quality blender for mixed drinks when preparing ingredients like fresh juices or purees for variations.
Popular Highball Variations
By Spirit
- Scotch Highball: Scotch whisky + soda water
- Irish Buck: Irish whiskey + ginger ale
- Gin Highball: Gin + tonic water (essentially a Gin & Tonic)
- Vodka Highball: Vodka + lemon-lime soda
Creative Twists
- Japanese Highball: Japanese whisky + soda water, served with a lemon twist
- Horse’s Neck: Bourbon + ginger ale with a long lemon peel
- Dark & Stormy: Dark rum + ginger beer (technically a highball variation)
For more complex versions, consider using a blender for frozen drinks to incorporate fresh fruits or ice.
Highball Glassware
The traditional highball glass is:
- Tall and straight-sided (8-12 oz capacity)
- Designed to maintain carbonation
- Often slightly narrower than a Collins glass
According to Wikipedia, the glass shape helps concentrate aromas while keeping the drink cold.
Why Highballs Remain Popular
Highballs have endured for over a century because:
- They’re incredibly easy to make
- The mixer cuts the alcohol strength for easier drinking
- Endless customization options
- Perfect for warm weather drinking
- Lower alcohol content than straight spirits
As noted by The Spruce Eats, a standard highball made with 80-proof whiskey has about 9% ABV, making it a relatively mild drink.
Highball Culture Around the World
Japan’s Love Affair with Highballs
In Japan, highballs are:
- Called “chūhai” (short for “shōchū highball”)
- Often made with shōchū or Japanese whisky
- Served in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and convenience stores
- Available in canned versions from vending machines
American Highball Trends
Recent U.S. trends include:
- Craft ginger beers replacing standard ginger ale
- Small-batch sodas as mixers
- Premium ice programs (large, clear cubes)
- House-made flavored sodas
Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just looking for a refreshing drink, the highball offers timeless appeal with endless possibilities for customization. Its simplicity makes it perfect for home bartenders, while its versatility keeps it interesting for cocktail aficionados.
