Whiskey Highball: Classic Yet Modern

Whiskey Highball with Black Background from Above


The Whiskey Highball is as classic as it is modern. The popular two-ingredient cocktail has been around for centuries but it tastes as fresh as ever.

Whiskey Highball with Red Background Close Up
Image: ©2foodtrippers

We first encountered the Whiskey Highball back in 2016 when we visited Osaka. During our week long visit, it wasn’t uncommon for us to see suited Japanese businessmen enthusiastically exclaiming ‘Kampai!’ before quickly downing the sophisticated sipper. The classic golden cocktail seemed to be on the menu at every izakaya and ramen shop we entered.

It took us several years but we now get why Japan has embraced this legendary cocktail with such gusto. Not only does the Whiskey Highball look and taste great, but the two ingredient cocktail is also super easy to craft without any exotic ingredients or special bar tools.

Discover more two-ingredient cocktails.

What Is a Whiskey Highball?

Whiskey Highball with Black Background from Above
The Whiskey Highball is a cocktail classic that’s popular around the world. | Image: ©2foodtrippers

The Whiskey Highball is a classic cocktail that’s traditionally crafted with two parts soda water and one part whiskey. Some people replace the soda water with ginger ale but be aware that the sweeter version approaches Whiskey Ginger territory.

Also, not surprisingly, Whiskey Highballs are always served in tall highball glasses.

History of the Whiskey Highball

Whiskey Highball with Lemon Wedge
With roots in England, the Whiskey Highball has a history that pre-dates prohibition. | Image: ©2foodtrippers

While crafting a Whisky Highball is easy to do, pinpointing its exact origin isn’t so simple. Still, it has an intersesting history that spans multiple centuries and continents.

Most cocktail historians link highball cocktails to the UK, the country where Joseph Priestley invented soda water during the latter half of the 18th century. While it’s likely that people started mixing liquor with soda water soon after that, the highball name arrived more than a century later and is attributed to American mixologist Patric Gavin Duffy, author of The Official Mixer’s Manual.

The highball became popular in the US during Prohibition when drinkers would mix moonshine with soda. The style never went totally out of fashion, achieving peak popularity in Japan, half way around the world, in 2008.

Today, the Whiskey Highball is so popular in Japan that it’s available on draught at izikayas from Tokyo to Kyoto and everywhere in-between. Despite its seeming simplicty, the Whiskey Highball is one of the country’s most popular cocktails.

Ingredients

Whiskey Highball Ingredients
The Whiskey Highball’s short ingredient list includes whiskey, soda water, ice cubes (not pictured) and an optional lemon wedge. | Image: ©2foodtrippers

This easy Whiskey Highball recipe requires the following ingredients:

  • Whiskey
  • Soda Water or Ginger Ale
  • Ice Cubes
  • Lemon Wedge (optional garnish)

Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.

Whiskey Highball with Bourbon Bottle
Your favorite whiskey is the best whiskey for this Whiskey Highball recipe. Our favorite whiskey is bourbon. | Image: ©2foodtrippers

While you only need two ingredients to craft a proper Whiskey Highball, you have a few decisions to make.

First, you need to decide if you want to craft the cocktail with bourbon, rye, scotch or whiskey. We use bourbon since we’re fans of the American whiskey’s rich, caramel-like flavors. However, Japanese whiskey, Irish and Scotch whiskey are all great options if you prefer more floral or smokey flavors.

Next, you need to decide between using soda water or ginger ale for the mixer. Do you want a potent tasting potable or are you in the mood for a sweeter drink? The alcohol content will be the same either way.

Finally, you need to decide if you want to add a citrus garnish. We like to add a lemon wedge but adding a garnish is totally optional.

How to Craft a Whiskey Highball

Whiskey Highball Mise en Place
It’s go time once you gather the Whiskey Highball’s ingredients and a couple basic bar tools. | Image: ©2foodtrippers

Variations

Crafted Whiskey Highball
We have high regard for the Whiskey Highball. | Image: ©2foodtrippers

The Whiskey Highball is one of many highballs that you can craft at home. Since they’re so easy to craft, we recommend that you craft more highballs to find your favorite. These are our favorites:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Whiskey Highball?

The Whiskey Highball is a classic cocktail that is traditionally crafted with two parts soda water and one part whiskey. Alternatively, it can be crafted with ginger ale instead of soda water.

Where was the Whiskey Highball invented?

The Whiskey Highball was invented in England.

What are the ingredients in a Whiskey Highball?

Whiskey, Soda Water or Ginger Ale, Ice Cubes and a Lemon Wedge (optional garnish)

Is the Whiskey Highball shaken or stirred?

The Whiskey Highball is stirred, not shaken.

Did you craft this cocktail? If so, please rate the recipe below.

Whiskey Highball Recipe

The Whiskey Highball is simultaneously timeless and modern. Learn how to craft one at home in just a few minutes.

Course: Drink

Cuisine: Cocktail

Servings: 1

Prep Time2 minutes

Total Time2 minutes

Calories: 147kcal

Author: Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
  • 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon, rye, scotch or whiskey)
  • 4 ounces soda water
  • ice cubes
  • 1 wedge lemon (optional garnish)
  • Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.

  • Pour the whiskey into the glass.

  • Top off with soda water.

  • Gently mix.

  • Optionally garnish with a lemon wedge.

  • You can replace the soda water with club soda, seltzer or ginger ale.
  • The best whiskey for this recipe is your favorite whiskey.

Calories: 147kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 24mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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