What is a highball?
A highball is basically a spirit base with a mixer served in a tall glass called a "highball" glass. You can use any spirit base, and usually a carbonated mixer of some kind, although you really can get as creative as you like here. The whisky highball in its most simple form is a whisky base, mixed with a larger quantity of soda. Sounds simple, because it is! However, there are endless possible variations to the whisky highball, and even in its simplest form, there is an art to crafting a perfect example (mainly to do with making sure everything is very cold...)
Why are highballs so popular in Japan?
Whisky highball culture in Japan became incredibly popular in the 1950s, when master of marketing Shinjiro Torii of Suntory whiskies opened a chain of bars to promote the company's spirits. In the depressed post-war economy, selling whisky as something other than a luxury product was a great way to keep people tuned into whisky, enjoying it as a lower abv long drink, with a meal, and over a chat in a bar. After another slump in the 80s and 90s, whisky highball culture has come back with a vengeance in Japan from vending machines selling cans of the stuff, to young people drinking highballs in casual Izakaya style bars, or serving as a perfect accompaniment to a meal in fine dining restaurants.
Isn't it wrong to add water and stuff to whisky?
Absolutely not! Sure, we love drinking neat whisky as much as the next person. It's often great to sit and enjoy a dram or two (or three...), appreciating its subtle nuances and sipping slowly throughout the evening. However, add soda, and you have an entirely different drink. You can still appreciate the whisky, just from a different angle.
What's the best recipe for a highball?
There is no hard and fast rule, but roughly speaking, about 1/3 whisky to 2/3 mixer is a good rule of thumb.
How much ice should I use in a highball?
Absolutely loads. Make sure everything is cold. Chill your glass, chill your whisky, chill the mixer and fill the highball glass with fresh ice to ensure minimal dilution and maximum enjoyment.
What whisky should I use for a highball?
You can use anything you like for your highballs, depending on your preference. Here are a few of our favourites at Spirited. All great base whiskies that won't break the bank.
- Nikka Days Blended Japanese Whisky is an absolute favourite at Spirited for a fresh, citrussy highball with a hint of vanilla and a wisp of smoke. We like to serve with Artisan Bubbly Soda Water and a slice of lemon.
- Elements of Islay Cask Edit is a great option if you like a bit more smoke in your highball. Woody smoke, rock pools and a bit of sweetness make a perfect smoky whisky and soda.
- Lochlea Sowing Edition Third Crop is all about the fruit. Fresh green apples and sweet orchard fruit make this an ideal single malt base.
- Bearface Canadian Corn Whisky is rich, sweet, and full of popcorn, maple and toffee notes. Mix with soda or Artisan Fiery Ginger Beer.
Should I add anything else?
No need, but if you fancy playing around with more flavour combinations, why not try some syrups and liqueurs to get experimental? Then garnish with whatever you see fit!
We hope you're inspired to try out some highball recipes. Keep it simple, get experimental, and enjoy whisky as a long drink! Remember, whisky is for summer too, not just for Christmas.
Basic Highball Recipe
Ingredients
40ml Nikka Days
Very frozen ice straight from the freezer
Method
Fill chilled glass with ice, add whisky and top with soda. Stir to combine and garnish with a slice of lemon.