The Whiskey Highball is a famous kind of drink that falls into a group of cocktails known as highballs. It’s really simple to make because it only has a few ingredients: whiskey, soda water, and ice. But even with just these few things, it can taste pretty interesting.
Highball drinks are like this: they start with a strong alcohol like whiskey, and then we add something fizzy, usually carbonated. We make and serve these drinks in tall glasses, like highball glass or Collins glasses.
This is important because it lets the ice touch the liquid a lot, but it doesn’t mix it up too much. Some people say this helps keep the drink bubbly for longer because there’s less liquid touching the air.
Like many famous classic drinks, people argue about who first made this cocktail. Some think Patrick Gavin Duff invented it, while others believe it was Tommy Dewar from the Dewar Scotch family. But really, it started in England in the late 1800s.
When the Napoleonic wars in the early 1800s stopped Cognac from coming to Britain, the British, who liked Cognac and soda, were upset. Without Cognac, they decided to use Scotch whiskey instead.
This switch became more common in the late 1880s. That’s when a disease ruined many vineyards in France, and there was no more Cognac. Also, at this time, fizzy water was being made a lot, and Queen Victoria’s love for Scotland made Scottish things trendy.
Later, this drink became popular in Japan. Today, Japanese bartenders make some of the best versions of this drink. They are so good at it that some people compare making this drink to the traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Whiskey Highball Ingredients
- Whiskey (60 ml / 2 ounces): Choose your favorite whiskey, whether it’s a smooth bourbon, a peaty Scotch, or a rye whiskey, to serve as the foundation of your Whiskey Highball.
- Club Soda (120 ml / 4 ounces): The effervescence of club soda adds a refreshing and bubbly quality to the cocktail, lifting the flavors of the whiskey.
- Ice Cubes (for serving): Essential for chilling the drink and providing a crisp, cool experience.
- Lemon Twist or Wedge (for Garnish): A citrus garnish adds a bright and aromatic element to the Whiskey Highball, enhancing its overall profile.
Whiskey Highball Recipe
Now, let’s embark on the step-by-step journey of crafting the perfect Whiskey Highball, paying attention to precise measurements and highlighting the nuances that make this cocktail a true delight.
Step 1: Select Your Whiskey
Begin by choosing the whiskey that suits your taste preferences. Whether you opt for the caramel notes of bourbon, the smoky complexity of Scotch, or the spicy kick of rye, measure out 60 ml (2 ounces) and pour it into a highball glass.
Step 2: Add Ice Cubes
Drop a generous amount of ice cubes into the highball glass. The ice not only chills the whiskey but also dilutes it slightly, contributing to a smoother and more sippable experience.
Step 3: Pour Club Soda
Measure 120 ml (4 ounces) of club soda and pour it over the whiskey and ice in the highball glass. The effervescence of the soda creates the signature fizz of the Whiskey Highball.
Step 4: Stir Gently
Using a bar spoon or stirring stick, gently stir the ingredients in the glass. This ensures that the whiskey and club soda are well-integrated without losing their refreshing effervescence.
Step 5: Garnish with a Lemon Twist or Wedge
Cut a thin twist or wedge from a fresh lemon and place it on the rim of the glass or drop it into the cocktail. The citrus garnish adds a zesty aroma that complements the whiskey and soda.
The Whiskey Highball – A Whiskey Soda Treat
Highballs represent a wide variety of beloved cocktails, ranging from classics like the Gin & Tonic to the Rum & Coke, Vodka Soda, and many others. However, when used as a descriptor, “highball” typically refers to a drink consisting of a spirit mixed with soda water. While the exact origins of this combination are difficult to pinpoint, it became popular with the advent of industrialized soda water production in the 1800s, which made it possible to produce and bottle seltzer on a large scale.
Although there are tales of early favorites like the Brandy and Soda, it was the Scotch & Soda that truly popularized the pairing of whisky with sparkling water. As the distribution of regional spirits expanded globally throughout the 20th century, the Whiskey Highball emerged as a versatile variation of this classic cocktail template, offering endless possibilities for customization and enjoyment.
Here’s to the Whiskey Highball – an enduring symbol of the marriage between fine spirits and a classick whiskey cocktail recipe.
For those who love music, the whiskey hhighball is actually Justin bieber’s favourite drink!
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