12 WHISKY HIGHBALL RECIPES
YOU NEED TO TRY
WHISKY X SODA X ICE.
IT’S THAT SIMPLE.
The Whisky Highball drink has dominated the drinking scene in Japan for decades – and now, it’s now picking up the global pace.
The highball drink is a familiar format; a base spirit paired with a (often carbonated) mixer. The Whisky Highball ingredients centre around whisky (obviously) and simple soda water to showcase the complex flavour profile of the whisky.
But did you know there’s more to a Whisky Highball than just whisky and soda? Find out more about the history of the highball and our favourite Scotch Whisky Highball variations.
What is a
Whisky Highball?
A Whisky Highball is one of the oldest Scotch whisky classics, made up of three simple ingredients: whisky, soda and ice.
The tiny bubbles and neutral flavour make soda water a great mixer for whisky, while the long highball drink format with lots of ice is incredibly refreshing.
These three elements make up a classic Whisky Highball, but this classic is easily customisable with juice, additional mixers, garnishes and more.
If you’re wondering, ‘What is the story of highball cocktail?’, we’re afraid there’s no set answer. It’s generally agreed that the concept of drinking whisky with soda came about in the 19th century when carbonated water became more readily available, but no one can be sure of who came up with the Whisky Highball and where that occurred.
While its origins are debated, one thing that is widely accepted is where the Whisky Highball was popularised: Japan. Ordered widely in bars and restaurants, it’s seen as a refreshing alternative to beer that can be enjoyed in both formal and informal occasions, at any time of day. As well as being easy to make and consume, Whisky Highballs in Japan are often seen as art, with many bartenders creating stunning variations of a classic.
How to make a Whisky Highball
One of the simplest cocktail recipes you can make, the Whisky Highball is just Scotch whisky topped with your chosen soda and plenty of ice for that extra freshness.
What is a Whisky Highball glass?
A Whisky Highball glass is a tall glass tumbler designed for mixed drinks poured over ice. Its tall format is ideal for this and also allows the bubbles to rise.
Like how the origins of the Whisky Highball drink is debated, so is the name ‘highball’ itself. One belief is that ball was bartenders’ slang for glass, and this drink is best served in a tall (ie. high) glass.
The other is to do with railroads, where at maximum train speed the ball indicator would be highest in the tank, and two short whistle blows followed by one long one were given – in the same way two shots of whisky would be followed by one long pour of soda in the drink.
Another glass ideal for enjoying Whisky Highballs in is a tankard. With thicker glass than standard highball glasses, a tankard is perfect for keeping drinks icy cold. In addition, a handle attached to the drink keeps heat away from the drink when holding it – keeping it chilled for longer.
A classic Whisky Highball is refreshing and delicious – but it’s not the only way to enjoy this combo. Here’s some our favourite Whisky Highball variations for you to try…
Classic Whisky Highball
A classic Whisky Highball cocktail is incredibly simple, created to showcase the complex flavour profile of the whisky. We love using Chivas 12 or Chivas Mizunara in this Whisky Highball recipe, but our whole range will shine in this cocktail. The Whisky Highball calorie count also makes it an appealing option, sitting at just 100 calories for a 50ml serve of Chivas and soda – which is half of what you’d find in a pint of lager.
Kombucha Whisky Highball
Yes, highball drinks are widely enjoyed because they’re refreshing and delicious. But we’ll let you in on a secret – it’s also because they’re incredibly easy. Built in a glass with no shaking or stirring required, it couldn’t be simpler. The rise of Kombucha has opened up a new world of mixers, as Kombucha cocktails come packed with tangy flavours. Fermented, sparkling and made from black or green tea, Kombucha comes in a range of flavours to suit different palates. This Whisky Highball drink variation replaces soda with Kombucha and perfectly matches the versatile flavours of Chivas 12.
Peach Whisky Highball
Like most Whisky Highball variations, the Peach Highball is super simple. This Whisky Highball’s ingredients list simply adds Crème de Pêche to the winning trio of Chivas Mizunara , soda and ice for a sweet highball recipe that even whisky newbies will love.
Plum Whisky Highball
The Whisky Highball cocktail was popularised in Japan, Chivas Mizunara was inspired by Japan – so we had to put two and two together and create this homage to Japan. Rich, sweet and aromatic, the Plum Highball features Umeshu plum wine for a classy highball drink you’ll want to make again and again.
Pineapple Whisky Highball
Packing some serious tropical vibes, this whisky highball is the perfect match for a house party with the crew. Fresh and sweet is the name of the game with this highball, as the full-bodied flavours of the Chivas 12 whisky marry with pineapple, before being topped up with a heavy hand of refreshing soda.
Cherry Whisky Highball
Ready to level up your drinking game? Our Cherry Highball is sure to pack a sweet and fruity punch. A mix of Chivas 12, soda water and cherry juice creates a pink blend that will make anyone look like an instant master-mixologist. Plus, it’s Insta-worthy with a classic maraschino cherry on top. If you’re all about that sweet life, then the Cherry Highball is the one for you.
Banana Whisky Highball
Banana cocktails might not be everyone’s first choice, but this Banana Highball is bound to become your new favourite. Smooth whisky, the sweet hint of banana liqueur, and an aromatic blend of angostura bitters – all perfectly balanced by Club Mate soda. A drink to flex your cocktail making skills in front of your friends, serve this one ice-cold for maximum refreshment.
Apple Whisky Highball
Craving something new for the next time you host drinks? Try your hand at an Apple Highball – Chivas 12, apple juice and soda water make for the perfect trio! Get ready for an irresistible mix of sweet and tart flavours – a combination so irresistible it’ll light up any get-together in no time.
Mandarin Whisky Highball
Transport yourself to a Tokyo rooftop on a balmy night with this elegant cocktail recipe. If sweet yet refreshing is your thing, then you need this Japanese inspired creation in your life. Reminiscent of citrusy sunshine, it’s laced with subtle vanilla and spicy notes – perfectly partnered up with Chivas Mizunara whisky for an undeniably tasty highball with a zesty mandarin soda finish.
Ginger Whisky Highball
Crisp orchard fruits and sweetness collide in this top-notch whisky highball cocktail. Enjoy the sensational match of Chivas 12’s depth and ginger ale’s zinginess in a single delicious sip! Perfect for those who haven’t yet joined the whisky world.
Yuzu Whisky Highball
Take the Chivas 12 to new levels with the bright, zesty notes of yuzu. This hybrid citrus fruit has been tantalising taste buds for 1,000 years, and when combined with Chivas 12’s honey sweetness and sparkling soda, you’re in for an unmistakable highball cocktail experience – its tart flavour will invigorate your senses from first sip.
Rosé Whisky Highball
Those Angostura bitters in your drink’s cabinet aren’t just for use in fancy cocktails. The Rosé Highball includes aromatic bitters alongside the light and fruity flavours of Lillet Rosé, making this Whisky Highball variation with Chivas Extra ideal for long summer days. Rosé wine, who?
What is the best Scotch for a Highball?
For an irresistible Whisky Highball drinking experience, pair with either the Chivas 12 or Chivas Mizunara.
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