Highballs, Elevated: Refreshing Classics & Twists

Looking for easy highball recipes? Learn the classic formula and try exciting variations like Cinnamon Syrup Highballs! Perfect winter cocktails & so simple. Cheers!

June 1, 2025
By Kendra Thompson .

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Highballs, Elevated: Your Guide to Refreshing Classics and Creative Twists

Fancy a simple yet elegant drink? The highball is your answer. I genuinely love how easy they are. They are refreshing and super adaptable.

What's the Fuss About?

The highball is basically a mix of spirit and a non-alcoholic mixer served over ice. it probably started in the late 19th century.

It’s ridiculously easy to make, so don’t be intimidated. you’ll impress everyone – including yourself.

Quick & Easy Does It

This is the kind of cocktail anyone can whip up. no fancy shaking needed. we're talking five minutes max. seriously! it's all about measuring and pouring.

Each recipe makes one drink, perfect for chilling after work. the best thing about it is that you get to experiment with different highball recipes .

Benefits Beyond the Buzz

Okay, let's be real. cocktails aren't health food. but a highball can be lighter than some sugary concoctions. a bourbon whiskey highball can be a sophisticated choice for a summer barbecue.

What makes this recipe special? it’s the freedom to experiment.

Right, let's gather what you'll need...

Basic Ingredients: Your Highball Starter Pack

You’ll need a base spirit, like reposado tequila or bourbon whiskey . aim for 50ml. then a mixer like tonic water or pineapple juice (120-180ml).

Finally, ice is essential. fill that glass up. oh, and don’t forget a garnish like a mint sprig or fresh lime .

Time to Build Your Highball

1. First, prepare your glass, Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Now, pour 50ml of spirit over the ice.
3. Gently add 120-180ml of your non-alcoholic mixer.
4. Stir gently.
5. Garnish and serve your Cocktail Art .

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Measure 50ml of spirit using a jigger and pour it over the ice.
3. Gently pour 120-180ml of the non-alcoholic mixer over the ice and spirit.
4. If desired, use a bar spoon to gently stir the drink, lifting from the bottom of the glass.
5. Add the appropriate garnish to the drink.
6. Serve Immediately

Nutritional Information (Estimate):

Nutritional information will vary significantly depending on the spirit, mixer, and garnish used.

Example (gin & tonic): approximately 150 calories, 0g protein, 0g fat, 15g carbohydrates (primarily from the tonic water). important note: these are estimates only.

Always check the labels of your ingredients for precise nutritional information. sugar content, especially in colas and some lemonades, can have a significant effect on calorie count.

Tips & Tricks:

• Chill Your Ingredients:
• Use Good Ice:
• Don't Over-Stir:
• Choose Quality Spirits:
• Garnish with Flair:

Variations & Substitutions:

• Flavor Variations:
  • Whiskey Highball (Japanese Style):
  • Dark 'n' Stormy:
  • Paloma:
• Substitutions:
  • Spirit:
  • Mixer:
  • Garnish:

Serving Suggestions:

• Light Snacks:
• Grilled Meats:
• Spicy Food:

Okay, here's the part that might get you a little tipsy if you are not careful... the whole point here, is to introduce the concept of highball recipes and encourage readers to experiment.

It is a basic concept, so if you got this far, you get it.

Elevating Your Highball Experience

Now, let’s ditch the boring and embrace creative highball recipes . perhaps a cinnamon syrup for a winter warmer? these make great winter cocktails , especially around christmas.

Give it a go, you might surprise yourself.

Right then, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some top-notch highball recipes . forget those fancy cocktail bars; we're doing this at home! honestly, it’s easier than boiling an egg.

Highballs, Elevated: Refreshing Classics & Twists Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:5 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:1 serving

Ingredients:

• 50ml Base Spirit (e.g., Gin, Whisky/Whiskey, Rum, Vodka, Tequila)
• 120-180ml Non-Alcoholic Mixer (e.g., Tonic Water, Soda Water, Ginger Ale, Cola, Lemonade)
• Ice Cubes or Collins Ice
• Garnish (e.g., Lemon/Lime Wedge, Orange Twist, Herbs)

Instructions:

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Measure the spirit using a jigger and pour it over the ice.
• Gently pour the non-alcoholic mixer over the ice and spirit.
• If desired, use a bar spoon to gently stir the drink, lifting from the bottom of the glass.
• Add the appropriate garnish to the drink.
• Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Here's the breakdown. These are for a general highball. Specific highball recipe variations will have slight adjustments.

• Base Spirit (Whiskey, Gin, Tequila, Vodka, etc.): 50ml (about 1 2/3 fl oz). Quality matters, especially with something simple like this. Go for something you'd happily sip on its own. For example, a good Reposado Tequila adds warmth and a slight caramel note.
• Non-Alcoholic Mixer (Tonic, Soda, Ginger Ale, etc.): 120-180ml (4-6 fl oz). The good quality soda it's the key!
• Ice: Enough to fill your glass.
• Garnish: Lemon or Lime wedge.

Seasoning Notes

Right, now for the flavour boosters. We're talking about making those drinks sing, innit?

• Essential spice combinations depend on the drink. Try a Cinnamon Syrup to elevate your winter drinks, this makes fantastic Winter Cocktails .
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: a dash of bitters can make a world of difference, or try a few Mint Sprig to garnish a highball
• Substitutions: If you don't have tonic, soda water and a squeeze of lime will do in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Listen, you don’t need to spend a fortune on bar gear.

• Essential tools only: A highball glass, a jigger (for measuring), and something to stir with.
• Common household alternatives: Measuring spoons work instead of a jigger. A long spoon can be a bar spoon.

Honestly, the cocktail art of a highball is less about fancy equipment and more about the ratios. You want a drink to be balanced.

Now, let's get creative. bourbon whiskey and pineapple juice can create a lovely tropical twist. a squeeze of fresh lime brightens everything up.

It might be a game-changer. these are just jumping-off points, really. find what you like.

Remember, it's about having fun. Don’t stress if you spill a bit. It’s all part of the experience. Get stuck in, and try it!

Alright, let's dive into the wonderful world of highballs!

Highballs, Elevated: Your Guide to Refreshing Classics and Creative Twists

Honestly, the highball is the cocktail world’s best-kept secret. it’s so simple, yet so elegant and versatile. did you know it might have started back in the late 1800s? crazy, right? it's basically booze meets bubbles, served cold.

I'm gonna show you how to nail the basics. then we'll get fancy with some flavor combos. trust me, your mates will be well impressed with your cocktail art!

It's super easy to make. Don't panic! No mad skills are needed. Just pour and enjoy the refreshing taste.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place for Highball Happiness

First things first. Get your bits and bobs ready!

• Essential mise en place : Have your spirit, mixer, and ice ready to go. It makes life so much easier, you know?
• Time-saving organization tips: Chill your spirit and mixer beforehand. A cold drink is a happy drink! Honestly.
• Safety reminders: Use tongs for ice! No one wants a soggy finger in their drink.

The Highball Recipe: Step-by-Step to Deliciousness

Here's the lowdown on making a proper highball:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add 50ml of your chosen spirit, like Bourbon Whiskey or Reposado Tequila .
3. Top with 120-180ml of your non-alcoholic mixer. Like soda or Pineapple Juice .
4. Stir gently (optional).
5. Garnish with a lemon wedge or Mint Sprig .
6. Serve right away. Job done.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Highball Game

Right, want to take your highballs from "meh" to "marvelous?" Check these out:

• Expert Technique: Use chilled ingredients for maximum refreshment.
• Common mistakes to avoid: Don't over-stir! You'll lose the fizz. Nobody wants that.
• Why not get creative? I often add a dash of Cinnamon Syrup to my Winter Cocktails ! It's lush.

Highball Heaven: A Sip Above the Rest

So, there you have it. the highball: simple, sophisticated, and ready for anything. and when it comes to highball recipes , you really are just limited by your imagination.

So, next time you fancy a drink, give one of these a whirl. cheers!

Variations and Substitutions

Fancy a twist? why not try using japanese whisky with sparkling water for a sophisticated sip? or maybe tequila blanco with grapefruit soda and a touch of salt for a paloma ? if you don't have vodka, gin or white rum works wonders too.

Experiment, have fun, and find your perfect highball blend! or next time grab the fresh lime to give an extra zest.

It's your drink, after all.

Highball Pairings

You know what goes great with a highball? Light snacks! Crisps, nuts, olives - they're all great. This Highball Recipe really is amazing.

Alright, mate, let's talk recipe notes for crafting the perfect highball recipe . after all, it's the little things that can really elevate your cocktail art , innit? i've messed up enough highball recipes to learn a thing or two along the way.

So, grab a cuppa and let's dive in.

Serving Suggestions: Plating, Presentation, and Pals

Right, you've got your highball recipe down. now, how do you make it look fancy? honestly, presentation is key! think about the glass.

A classic highball glass is always a winner, but don't be afraid to experiment.

A simple garnish can also do wonders. a classic lemon or lime wedge is always a solid choice. but why not try something different? a sprig of fresh mint, a couple of raspberries, or even a thin slice of cucumber can work wonders.

And for more festive winter cocktails , consider a cinnamon stick or star anise.

What to serve with your highball? light snacks are always a good shout. crisps, olives, nuts – you know, the usual suspects.

But a good highball recipe also pairs well with grilled meats or spicy food. think burgers, chicken skewers, or even a cheeky curry.

As for drinks, a nice bourbon whiskey highball goes lovely with iced tea or a glass of fresh lime water.

You know?

Storage Secrets: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, let's be honest, highballs are best drunk fresh. but if you really need to store leftovers (unlikely!), here's the lowdown.

Don't even think about freezing a highball. it just doesn't work. the carbonation will go, and it'll be a watery mess.

If you absolutely must, you can refrigerate it for a few hours. But bear in mind that the ice will melt, diluting the drink. Best to just make a fresh one, eh?

Variations: Spicing it Up and Keeping it Healthy-ish

Fancy a twist on the classics? absolutely! a good highball recipe is a blank canvas. got a mate who's avoiding gluten? no worries, just make sure your spirit and mixer are gluten-free.

Easy peasy.

Seasonal ingredients are a great way to jazz things up. in the summer, think about using fresh berries or herbs.

And in the winter? a cinnamon syrup adds a touch of festive warmth and can be used to create a sophisticated reposado tequila drink, especially when garnished with a mint sprig .

Try adding a splash of Pineapple Juice for a more tropical vibe.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit About What You're Drinking

Let's be real, highballs aren't exactly health food. but hey, everything in moderation, right? nutritional information varies wildly depending on the ingredients.

But as a general guide, expect around 150-200 calories per serving.

The key is to watch out for sugary mixers. tonic water, ginger ale, and cola can all be surprisingly high in sugar.

If you're watching your waistline, opt for soda water or a diet version instead. i actually looked up a cool article and found that light drinkers have better health habits than both heavy drinkers and teetotalers.

So, there you have it. my tips for highball recipes for success. don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and most importantly, drink responsibly.

Cheers, my friend! now, go forth and create some amazing highballs! i'm certain once you get the hang of these amazing highball recipes , you can create lots of refreshing winter cocktails or something else.