As a bartender, I've come to appreciate the beauty of simplicity in cocktails.
There's something to be said for a drink that can be made quickly, easily, and with just a few ingredients. Enter the highball cocktail.
At its core, a highball cocktail is simply a spirit mixed with a carbonated mixer, served over ice in a tall glass.
It's a classic cocktail that's been around for over a century, and for good reason. Highballs are refreshing, easy to drink, and perfect for any occasion.
But just because highballs are simple doesn't mean they're boring. In fact, there are endless possibilities when it comes to highball recipes.
From classic whiskey and soda to more adventurous combinations like gin and grapefruit, the highball is a versatile cocktail that can be tailored to suit any taste.
So, if you're looking for a refreshing and tasty cocktail that won't take all night to make, look no further than the highball.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the best highball recipes out there, so you can mix up something delicious and easy tonight.
1. Bourbon Whiskey Highball
The Bourbon Whiskey Highball is a classic and refreshing cocktail that's easy to make with only two ingredients: bourbon or whiskey and soda water.
It's been a popular drink for over a century and is perfect for those who want a quick and easy drink to enjoy. If you're a fan of bourbon or whiskey, then the Bourbon Whiskey Highball is definitely worth trying.
2. Japanese Highball
The Japanese Highball is a refreshing and simple cocktail made with only two ingredients – Japanese whiskey and club soda. This classic cocktail has been given a twist by the Japanese, who have elevated it to a whole new level with their techniques and reverence for the drink. The Japanese Highball is a perfect balance of whiskey and club soda, making it a light and crisp cocktail that is perfect for any occasion.
The cocktail is served in a tall glass, and the whiskey and club soda are stirred together to create a delicious and refreshing drink. If you are looking for a simple and elegant cocktail that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, then the Japanese Highball is definitely worth a try.
3. We All Float Down Here – Root Beer Highball
The "We All Float Down Here – Root Beer Highball" is a refreshing summer cocktail made with root beer, cherry bitters, and whiskey.
The addition of vanilla ice cream and Ballotin Chocolate Mint whiskey makes it a perfect dessert tipple. It can also be easily turned into a mocktail. Overall, it's a must-try cocktail for anyone looking for a fun and delicious drink.
4. Peach Highball Cocktail
The Peach Highball Cocktail is a perfect summer twist on the classic highball cocktail. Made with fresh peaches, this cocktail has a fruity and sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with whiskey and ginger ale.
The cocktail is easy to make and can be made with different types of whiskey. It is important to use ripe peaches and high-quality ginger ale to get the best flavor. The Peach Highball Cocktail is a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for any occasion.
5. Hana Hana Highball
The Hana Hana Highball is a refreshing twist on the classic highball cocktail. Made with black sugar shochu, it is a popular spirit on Amami Island in Japan.
The name "Hana Hana" refers to the traditional toast on the island, which means "A flower for you, and a flower for this moment." This sentiment embodies the value of sharing moments together, making the Hana Hana Highball the perfect drink to enjoy with friends and loved ones.
6. Tom Collins
Tom Collins is a classic highball cocktail made with gin, club soda, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It's a refreshing drink that's perfect for any occasion.
The combination of botanical gin and zesty lemon juice creates a spicy and refreshing taste that is hard not to love. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a classic and refreshing highball cocktail.
7. The Gin Rickey
The Gin Rickey is a classic highball cocktail made with gin, soda water, and lime juice. It's a refreshing and bubbly drink that's perfect for summer, but can be enjoyed anytime.
The simplicity of this cocktail is what makes it so appealing, as it's a laid-back drink that can be enjoyed by anyone. If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cocktail, then The Gin Rickey is definitely worth a try.
8. Vodka Tonic
The Vodka Tonic is a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail that is perfect for those who prefer a less boozy taste. It is a part of the highball cocktail family, which pairs liquor with a larger portion of a non-alcoholic mixer. The drink is made with good quality vodka and tonic water, which is carbonated and lightly sweetened.
The addition of lemon and lime juice gives it a zingy flavor that is hard to resist. The drink is perfect for sipping on a warm summer day or as a pre-dinner cocktail. So, if you're looking for a simple yet delicious cocktail to try, the Vodka Tonic is definitely worth a shot.
9. Smoked Fruit Garden
The Smoked Fruit Garden is a unique and refreshing highball cocktail that blends the flavors of fresh peaches and watermelon with dark rum and Pisco. What sets this cocktail apart is the smoking process used to infuse the fruit with a subtle smoky flavor.
The addition of mint and smoked sea salt on the rim adds a touch of complexity to the cocktail. The presentation is also noteworthy, with watermelon rolls serving as a garnish. Overall, the Smoked Fruit Garden is a must-try for anyone looking for a creative and flavorful highball cocktail.
10. Alabama Slammer
The Alabama Slammer is a fruity and refreshing highball cocktail that is perfect for sipping on a lazy afternoon or while relaxing on the patio. Made with sloe gin, amaretto, orange juice, and Southern Comfort whiskey, this cocktail has a bold and balanced flavor profile that is sure to impress.
The cocktail was originally invented in the 1970s at the University of Alabama and has since been revamped to give it a more refined and sophisticated vibe. With its sweet and fruity flavor, the Alabama Slammer is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and refreshing highball cocktail.
11. Calamansi Highball
The Calamansi Highball is a refreshing and citrusy cocktail that is perfect for summer or brunch. Made with Nankai Shochu, soda water, and calamansi juice, this cocktail is a simple yet flavorful take on the classic highball. Calamansi, a small citrus fruit that resembles a lime, adds a tart and sour flavor to the drink, while the shochu and soda water provide a smooth and bubbly base.
This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy citrusy and refreshing drinks, and pairs well with seafood and grilled chicken dishes. So, if you're looking for a new and exciting highball recipe to try, give the Calamansi Highball a shot!
12. Vodka Collins
The Vodka Collins is a classic highball cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. It's a refreshing and bubbly drink made with vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water.
The combination of sweet and tart flavors makes it easy to drink, and it's versatile enough to be enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a pre-dinner drink. The addition of different garnishes and soda water can give it a unique twist. Overall, it's a must-try cocktail that's stood the test of time.
13. Transfusion Drink
The Transfusion Drink is a refreshing and unique highball cocktail that is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. Made with vodka, Concord grape juice, lime, and ginger ale, this drink is a popular choice at golf clubs and country clubs. The sweet and musky flavor of Concord grapes adds a unique twist to this classic highball cocktail, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Whether you're looking for a refreshing summer drink or a light and bubbly winter cocktail, the Transfusion Drink is sure to satisfy. So if you're looking for a new and exciting highball cocktail to try, be sure to give the Transfusion Drink a chance!
14. Gin Rickey
The Gin Rickey is a classic highball cocktail that is perfect for gin lovers. Made with only three ingredients, it's a refreshing and light drink that is low in calories.
The tangy and bubbly flavor of lime juice and club soda make it a perfect summer sipper. The key to a great Gin Rickey is using a good quality gin. It's a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time and is definitely worth a try.
15. Peach Jack Daniels High Ball
The Peach Jack Daniels High Ball is a refreshing summer cocktail made with fresh peaches and Jack Daniels whiskey. It's a Southern classic that's perfect for hot afternoons spent lounging on the porch.
The key to making this cocktail is to serve it very cold, and it's so good that you may find yourself drinking it all day long. Overall, it's a must-try for anyone who loves a good whiskey cocktail.
16. Nantucket Seabreeze Cocktail
The Nantucket Seabreeze Cocktail is a refreshing and light highball cocktail that is perfect for a lazy summer evening. Made with a combination of cranberry juice, grapefruit juice, vodka, and club soda, this cocktail strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart flavors. The addition of club soda gives it a light and effervescent quality that makes it a great drink to sip on while relaxing on the beach or enjoying a sunset.
The cocktail is garnished with a lime quarter that sits on the rim of the glass like a sail, adding a touch of whimsy to the drink. If you're looking for a cocktail that captures the essence of a lazy summer day on Nantucket Island, the Nantucket Seabreeze Cocktail is definitely worth trying.
17. Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel is a classic highball cocktail made with peach schnapps and orange juice. It's fruity, sweet, and easy to make. The name hints at the ingredients – fuzzy referencing the peach schnapps and navel the orange juice.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, fruitier taste in their drinks. It's best served in a highball glass with ice and a slice of orange.
18. Texas Ranch Water
Looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make highball cocktail? Look no further than the Texas Ranch Water. Made with just three ingredients – tequila, lime juice, and mineral water – this cocktail is perfect for hot summer days.
Originating from the end of a long day at a Texas Ranch, the Texas Ranch Water is a popular choice for ranchers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. With its low sugar content and simple recipe, it's a breeze to make and enjoy. So why not try this refreshing cocktail and transport yourself to the heart of Texas?
