Highballs: The Art Of The Tall, Simple Drink (Part 2)

Highballs has a longer history than most people expect. None of it needs expensive bottles. The rest of this article covers highballs in plain, practical terms.

Where it started

Put simply, a highball is a spirit lengthened with a carbonated or non-carbonated mixer in a tall glass over ice. Think whiskey and soda, rum and cola, gin and ginger beer, or vodka and soda with lime. The format is old, easy and forgiving, which makes it the best entry point for anyone learning to mix drinks at home.

Always keep a good non-alcoholic option ready for guests.

How it changed

The key point is that ratio is everything. A good starting point is one part spirit to three parts mixer, which keeps the spirit present without overpowering the glass. Taste, then adjust. A lighter drink suits a long afternoon, while a stronger pour suits a smaller glass. Measuring with a jigger keeps results consistent, especially when you are making several for friends.

What stayed the same

Details separate a decent highball from a great one. Chill the glass, fill it with large, cold ice and pour the spirit first. Add the mixer slowly and tilt the glass so the bubbles stay lively, then give a single, gentle stir. Use a fresh, cold bottle of soda, since flat or warm mixer makes the drink dull no matter how good the spirit is.

Small details like chilling the glass make a visible difference.

How it is made today

Pairing matters too. Bold, spicy ginger ale or ginger beer suits aged spirits like bourbon and dark rum. Crisp soda water lets the character of a good whiskey or gin come through. Tonic and bitter lemon work with gin and some vodkas. A citrus twist or lime wedge adds a bright lift at the end.

None of this needs to be exact to the drop; taste and adjust to your liking.

Enjoying it now

More often than not, highballs are practical for hosting because they are fast, balanced and easy to scale. Set out a few spirits, several mixers, ice and garnishes, and let people build their own. Keep soda water, sparkling juice and plain ginger ale in the same lineup so non-drinkers feel included, and remind guests to pace themselves and plan a ride home.

Small details like chilling the glass make a visible difference.

Practical tips

Here are a few easy places to start:

• Use fresh citrus, squeezed the same day.
• Use plenty of fresh, hard ice.
• Measure with a jigger rather than free-pouring.
• Keep a non-alcoholic option ready for guests.

The bottom line

None of this needs to be perfect. The best drink is the one you will make again. Start with the classics and build from there.