As a bartender, I’ve grown fond of the understated elegance of highballs. There’s something to be said for a drink that can be crafted quickly, effortlessly, and with minimal ingredients. The simplicity is part of its charm, allowing the natural flavors of the spirit and mixer to shine through. One such example is the classic highball cocktail. At its most basic, it’s a straightforward combination of a spirit mixed with carbonated water, served over ice in a tall glass.
This timeless concoction has been delighting palates for over a century, and for good reason: highballs are refreshing, easy to quaff, and perfect for any social gathering. While simplicity may not always be synonymous with excitement, the highball is an exception – its versatility offers endless possibilities when it comes to crafting unique recipes.
From tried-and-true whiskey and soda combinations to more adventurous pairings like gin and grapefruit, the highball’s adaptability makes it a go-to cocktail for any occasion.
Bourbon Whiskey Highball
For over a century, the Bourbon Whiskey Highball has been a beloved cocktail among whiskey enthusiasts. This refreshing drink requires only two ingredients: good-quality bourbon or whiskey and crisp soda water. The simplicity of its preparation makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick yet satisfying beverage. If you’re a fan of bourbon or whiskey, the Bourbon Whiskey Highball is definitely worth exploring – its classic flavor profile is sure to delight.
Japanese Highball
The Japanese Highball is a masterclass in understated elegance, marrying only two ingredients – Japanese whiskey and club soda – to create a sublime cocktail experience. This humble drink has been elevated by the Japanese, who have infused it with their meticulous approach and deep respect for the art of mixology. The result is a harmonious balance of whiskey and club soda that yields a light, crisp, and refreshingly subtle drink.
When served in a tall glass, the whiskey and club soda mingle to create a delightful concoction that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. If you’re seeking an effortless yet sophisticated cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion, the Japanese Highball is a must-try.
We All Float Down Here – Root Beer Highball
A delightful summer treat, the ‘We All Float Down Here – Root Beer Highball’ is a unique blend of root beer, cherry bitters, and whiskey that will quench your thirst. When you add vanilla ice cream and Ballotin Chocolate Mint whiskey to the mix, it transforms into a decadent dessert cocktail that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. But don’t worry if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option – this recipe is easily convertible into a tasty mocktail.
Whether you’re in the mood for something fun or just looking for a new twist on a classic drink, this ‘We All Float Down Here – Root Beer Highball’ cocktail is an absolute must-try.
Peach Highball Cocktail
Transforming the classic highball cocktail, the Peach Highball brings a sweet and fruity twist to the summer season. Fresh peaches mingle with whiskey and ginger ale in a harmonious blend of flavors. With its simplicity and versatility, this refreshing cocktail can be easily customized to suit different whiskey preferences. To elevate the experience, it’s crucial to select ripe, high-quality peaches and premium ginger ale for an optimal balance of sweet and tangy notes.
Whether you’re seeking a revitalizing drink for a casual gathering or a special occasion, the Peach Highball Cocktail is sure to impress with its delightful combination of flavors.
Hana Hana Highball
The Hana Hana Highball is an innovative take on the timeless highball cocktail. Its unique charm stems from the use of black sugar shochu, a spirit that has gained significant popularity on Amami Island in Japan. This cultural icon’s name ‘Hana Hana’ originates from a time-honored island toast, which translates to ‘A flower for you, and a flower for this moment.
‘ This poetic phrase encapsulates the essence of sharing cherished moments with others, rendering the Hana Hana Highball an ideal drink to savor with friends and family.
Tom Collins
Tom Collins, a timeless highball cocktail, brings together the crispness of club soda, the tanginess of lemon juice, and the subtle sweetness of simple syrup with the botanical notes of gin. This harmonious blend results in a revitalizing drink that’s perfect for any gathering or celebration.
The synergy between the botanicals in the gin and the zesty lemon juice yields a bold and rejuvenating flavor profile that is impossible to resist.
As a must-have for anyone who appreciates classic, refreshing cocktails, Tom Collins is an absolute delight.
The Gin Rickey
A staple in the world of highball cocktails, the Gin Rickey is a refreshing blend of gin, soda water, and lime juice that’s perfect for sipping on a warm summer day. Its simplicity is what makes it so endearing – anyone can enjoy this laid-back drink without worrying about complicated recipes or specialized ingredients. With its easy-to-make formula, The Gin Rickey is an excellent choice for those seeking a delicious and stress-free cocktail experience.
Vodka Tonic
The Vodka Tonic, a staple of laid-back gatherings and casual get-togethers, boasts an understated charm that’s hard to ignore. This highball cocktail, characterized by its harmonious blend of liquor and non-alcoholic mixer, has earned its place in the hearts of those who crave a subtlety nuanced drink.
With vodka as its base and tonic water providing a crisp, carbonated backbone, this refreshing concoction is elevated by the judicious addition of lemon and lime juice, whose zesty flavors tantalize the taste buds. Whether you’re seeking a revitalizing respite from a sweltering summer day or a sophisticated precursor to dinner, the Vodka Tonic’s understated elegance makes it an excellent choice for those looking to indulge in a delightfully uncomplicated cocktail experience.
Smoked Fruit Garden
Innovative mixologists will love the Smoked Fruit Garden, a refreshing highball cocktail that skillfully combines the juiciness of fresh peaches and watermelon with the boldness of dark rum and Pisco. The true showstopper here is the smoking process, which expertly infuses the fruit with a delicate smokiness that elevates the entire drink. The addition of mint and a rim of smoked sea salt further adds depth to this complex cocktail.
Aesthetically pleasing as well, the Smoked Fruit Garden’s presentation features watermelon rolls serving as a visually appealing garnish. For anyone seeking a creative and flavorful highball experience, the Smoked Fruit Garden is an absolute must-try.
Alabama Slammer
Savoring the essence of the South, the Alabama Slammer is a revitalizing highball cocktail that effortlessly captures the carefree spirit of a lazy afternoon or a leisurely patio gathering. Blended with sloe gin, amaretto, orange juice, and Southern Comfort whiskey, this bold yet balanced concoction is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Its origins date back to the 1970s at the University of Alabama, where it was initially crafted before undergoing a refined revamp that elevated its sophistication. With its sweet and fruity nuances, the Alabama Slammer has become a must-try for anyone seeking a delectable and revitalizing highball cocktail experience.
Calamansi Highball
Imagine sipping on a revitalizing drink that captures the essence of summer’s warmth and citrusy zest. The Calamansi Highball is just that – a delightful concoction that harmoniously blends Nankai Shochu, soda water, and calamansi juice to create a simple yet tantalizing twist on the classic highball. The small but mighty calamansi fruit, with its tart and sour flavor profile, perfectly balances the smooth and effervescent base provided by the shochu and soda water.
This refreshing cocktail is sure to please those who crave citrusy treats and pairs beautifully with seafood or grilled chicken dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a light and revitalizing drink or seeking inspiration for your next brunch gathering, the Calamansi Highball is an excellent choice – give it a try and experience its unique charm!
Vodka Collins
A staple in any cocktail collection is the Vodka Collins, a timeless highball perfect for a wide range of social gatherings. Its harmonious blend of vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped off with soda water, creates a refreshing drink that’s as easy to enjoy on a scorching summer day as it is before a evening meal.
The versatility of this cocktail lies in its ability to be tailored to personal taste by experimenting with various garnishes and levels of carbonation, making it a true classic that has endured for generations.
Transfusion Drink
Indulge in the unique charm of the Transfusion Drink, a revitalizing highball cocktail that has captured the hearts of many. By combining vodka with Concord grape juice, lime, and ginger ale, this refreshing concoction has become a staple at esteemed establishments such as golf clubs and country clubs. The sweetness of the Concord grapes adds an intriguing dimension to this classic highball recipe, making it an ideal choice for any gathering or celebration.
Whether you’re seeking a revitalizing summer sipper or a light and effervescent winter warmer, the Transfusion Drink is sure to delight. If you’re eager to discover a new and captivating highball cocktail experience, be sure to give this intriguing drink a try.
Gin Rickey
A refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, the Gin Rickey is an ideal choice for those who adore the crisp, clean taste of gin. With only three ingredients to worry about, this highball drink is not only delicious but also remarkably low in calories. The harmonious union of tangy lime juice and effervescent club soda creates a truly revitalizing sipping experience that’s perfect for warm weather.
What sets the Gin Rickey apart from other cocktails is its dependence on high-quality gin – a crucial element that elevates this timeless classic to new heights. A must-try for any gin enthusiast, the Gin Rickey is a drink that has withstood the test of time and continues to delight those who try it.
Peach Jack Daniels High Ball
Sip into the essence of Southern charm with the Peach Jack Daniels High Ball, a revitalizing summer libation that harmoniously blends fresh peaches and smooth Jack Daniels whiskey. This beloved classic is as refreshing as it is satisfying, making it an ideal companion for lazy afternoons spent lounging on the porch or patio. The secret to its allure lies in serving it ice-cold – a revelation that may just prompt you to indulge in multiple servings throughout the day.
If you’re a whiskey connoisseur with a taste for adventure, the Peach Jack Daniels High Ball is an absolute must-try.
Nantucket Seabreeze Cocktail
Imagine sipping on a refreshing highball cocktail as the sun sets over the beautiful beaches of Nantucket Island. The Nantucket Seabreeze Cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, achieved by combining cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, vodka, and club soda. This harmonious mix creates a light and effervescent drink that’s ideal for relaxing on the beach or enjoying a warm summer evening.
A lime quarter, carefully placed on the rim of the glass like a sail, adds a playful touch to this delightful cocktail. Whether you’re looking to capture the carefree spirit of a lazy summer day or simply want a delicious drink to enjoy with friends and family, the Nantucket Seabreeze Cocktail is an excellent choice.
Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel, a timeless classic, combines the sweetness of peach schnapps with the tanginess of orange juice to create a refreshing highball cocktail. Its name cleverly references the two main ingredients – ‘fuzzy’ nodding to the peach schnapps and ‘navel’ alluding to the OJ. This fruit-forward drink is ideal for those who crave lighter, sweeter cocktails. To fully appreciate its flavors, serve it over ice in a highball glass with an orange slice garnish.
Texas Ranch Water
Sip into the simplicity and charm of the Texas Ranch Water, a revitalizing highball cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to love. With just three ingredients – tequila, lime juice, and mineral water – this refreshing drink is perfect for savoring on a sweltering summer day.
And with its humble beginnings at a Texas ranch, where weary cowboys would unwind with a glass after a long day’s work, the Texas Ranch Water has earned a special place in the hearts of both ranchers and cocktail connoisseurs alike. With its remarkably low sugar content and effortless recipe, it’s a cinch to whip up and indulge. So why not take a trip down South and treat yourself to this delightful elixir?
