Highballs: The Art Of The Tall, Simple Drink (Part 3)

This step-by-step take on highballs keeps things simple. None of it needs expensive bottles. The rest of this article covers highballs in plain, practical terms.

Before you start

It helps to remember that pairing makes a difference 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.

Small details like chilling the glass make a visible difference.

Step by step

It helps to remember that 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.

What to check

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.

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

Serving

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.

Fresh citrus does more for a cocktail than an expensive bottle.

Cleaning up

On a day-to-day level, 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.

Practical tips

Some practical points to keep in mind:

• Never drink and drive; plan a ride home.
• Chill your glasses before serving.
• Use fresh citrus, squeezed the same day.
• Keep a non-alcoholic option ready for guests.

The bottom line

Take it one drink at a time. None of this needs to be perfect. Good ice, fresh citrus and a careful measure go a long way.