Classic Whiskey Highball Recipe
Realize the refreshing simplicity of the Classic Whiskey Highball, an iconic cocktail brimming with the robust flavor of your favorite whiskey, perfectly balanced with club soda and a zesty lemon garnish.
Table of Contents
Tired of the usual mix-it-up type cocktails? Enter the Whiskey Highball. It doesn’t need to compete with all the bells and whistles. Just three major players: a tasty whiskey, a bit of club soda and a lemon slice for those who dig a bit of citrus zing. The secret’s really in the blend, so pay attention when we get to that part of the instructions.
It’s kind of a cousin to the Gin & Tonic (or “G&T”, for those of you short on time) and Vodka Soda, which we all know get lots of respect in the cocktail family for being effortlessly brilliant. But, a Whiskey Highball has that sexy warmth of whiskey, coupled with the tiny bubbles from the soda and the oh-so-subtle lemon twist. Seriously, it’s a top-notch, darn delicious cocktail.
INGREDIENTS
I told you it was simple. Here’s what you’ll need.
- 2 oz. whiskey
- 6 oz. club soda
- slice of lemon, for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Highball glass
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Ice scoop or tongs
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill
Fill a highball glass with ice.
Pour
Pour the whiskey over the ice
Add
Top the glass with the club soda. Stir gently to mix.
Garnish
Garnish with a slice of lemon if you’d like to add some zest.
How to Make a Healthy/Low-Calorie Whiskey Highball
- Calories in whiskeys can differ substantially, so be a smart shopper and grab a fewer-calorie whiskey.
- Get fresh, REAL lemons. You’ll get the taste without the calories of store-bought juices.
Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Whiskey Highball
- Use quality, clear ice to ensure slow melting. To make clear ice, I recommend using a clear ice cube maker like this one.
- Every element counts. A quality whiskey will shine through and really makes a difference.
- The whiskey-to-soda ratio is typically 1:3, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Be gentle while stirring. An aggressive stir can lead to a flat drink by eliminating the bubbles in soda.
- Instead of lemon, I like to use a sprig of mint or a twist of orange peel for garnish.
FAQs
how many calories are in this drink?
A Classic Whiskey Highball has around 150 calories, though this can change depending on the type of whiskey used. FYI, an ounce of whiskey has 70-80 calories and club soda is calorie-free.
How am I supposed to drink a Whiskey Highball?
The traditional way is to serve it in a sexy highball glass, whether you include a straw is totally up to you. A simple drink like this can be enjoyed almost any way you like.
Do I need a particular type of whiskey for this?
Nope. The good news is that you can use pretty much any type of whiskey for this one. The bad news? You have so many to choose from, the options can be overwhelming, from Scotch and bourbon to rye and Irish whiskey.
Can I make this cocktail in advance for a party?
A Classic Whiskey Highball is best when it’s fresh out of the mixing glass, when the club soda still has that fizz. You could, however, prep ahead by measuring the whiskey and getting the garnish ready. When it’s time to serve, just add the ice, pour the whiskey, top it off with soda, then give it a little stir.
Delicious Whiskey Highball Variations
Ginger Highball: Replace the club soda with ginger ale or ginger beer for a touch of spicy sweetness.
Japanese Highball: Replace the whiskey with a Japanese whisky and the club soda with a carbonated water like Perrier for an extra crisp drink.
Bourbon Highball: Replace the whiskey with bourbon, the club soda with ginger ale, and add a slice of orange and a cherry for a variation that’s closely related to an Old Fashioned.
how to prep and store a whiskey highball
No one wants a sip of a flat soda, so serve these drinks up right on the spot. It’s not worth making ahead of time. You can, however, do a bit of prep work by measuring your whiskey and getting your garnishes ready. When it’s time to party, just drop in the ice, top with that measured-out whiskey, and finish with soda. Stir then serve.
And no need to say that this drink doesn’t really lend itself to leftover preservation. The soda will go flat and the whiskey will get watered down by the ice cubes.
Classic Whiskey Highball Recipe
Realize the refreshing simplicity of the Classic Whiskey Highball, an iconic cocktail brimming with the robust flavor of your favorite whiskey, perfectly balanced with club soda and a zesty lemon garnish.
Servings 1
Calories 142kcal
Ingredients
- 2 oz. whiskey
- 6 oz. club soda
- slice lemon, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour the whiskey over the ice.
- Top the glass with the club soda. Stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon if you’d like to add some zest.
Notes
- Use quality, clear ice to ensure slow melting. The slower the ice melts, the less diluted your whiskey will be.
- Every element counts. A quality whiskey will shine through and really makes a difference.
- The whiskey-to-soda ratio is typically 1:3, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
- Be gentle while stirring. An aggressive stir can lead to a flat drink by eliminating the bubbles in soda.
- Instead of lemon, try as a garnish a sprig of mint, a twist of orange peel or even a cherry for a unique twist.
Nutrition
Calories: 142kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.1g | Sodium: 36mg | Potassium: 4mg | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.03mg
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