Summer nights are made for sipping on something cool, crisp, and refreshing. Enter the highball: a classic cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather. With just a few simple ingredients and a splash of creativity, you can create a variety of delicious and revitalizing drinks to enjoy with friends or as a relaxing way to unwind after a long day.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey around the world, showcasing 18 refreshing highball recipes that are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. From classic whiskey and gin combinations to fruity twists featuring rum, tequila, and more, there’s something for everyone in this roundup of summer’s hottest drinks.
Whether you’re looking for a straightforward sipper or something with a bit of flair, we’ve got you covered. So grab a glass, pour yourself a highball, and get ready to beat the heat in style.
Classic Whiskey Highball with Ginger Ale
Classic Whiskey Highball with Ginger Ale Recipe
The classic Whiskey Highball gets a refreshing twist by adding ginger ale to the mix, creating a crisp and revitalizing cocktail perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 4 oz Ginger Ale
– Slice of lime
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey, leaving about 1/4 inch at the top.
3. Top off the glass with ginger ale.
4. Squeeze a slice of lime over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Enjoy your revitalizing Classic Whiskey Highball with Ginger Ale!
Sparkling Gin Highball with Cucumber and Mint
Elevate your summer sipping with this refreshing twist on the classic highball.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 4 oz sparkling water
– 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Lime wheel (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a Collins glass with ice.
2. Add the gin and top with sparkling water.
3. Place a few slices of cucumber in the glass.
4. Sprinkle a handful of fresh mint leaves over the cucumber.
5. Stir gently to combine and release the flavors.
6. Squeeze a lime wheel (if using) over the drink for added brightness.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook, ready-to-serve cocktail.
Bourbon Peach Highball with Lemon Soda
Elevate your summer vibes with this refreshing twist on the classic highball. The combination of sweet bourbon, ripe peaches, and tangy lemon soda creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
– 4-6 slices of fresh peaches (depending on size)
– Lemon Soda
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon whiskey.
3. Add sliced peaches to the glass, muddling them gently to release their natural sweetness and juice.
4. Top with lemon soda, stirring gently to combine.
5. Garnish with an additional slice of peach, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Enjoy your Bourbon Peach Highball with Lemon Soda!
Vodka Highball with Grapefruit and Rosemary
Elevate your classic highball game with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit and the herbaceous freshness of rosemary. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slice of fresh rosemary, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup.
3. Stir gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Garnish with a slice of fresh rosemary.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required!
Rum Highball with Pineapple Juice and Coconut Water
Elevate your highball game with this tropical twist, combining the warmth of rum with the sweetness of pineapple juice and the refreshment of coconut water.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– 2 oz coconut water
– Slice of fresh pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum and pineapple juice.
3. Add the coconut water, stirring gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready to serve.
Japanese Highball with Suntory Whisky and Soda
The Japanese Highball is a classic cocktail that combines the smoothness of whisky with the crispness of soda. This recipe uses Suntory Whisky and adds a touch of elegance to this refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Suntory Whisky
– 4 oz Soda water
– Slice of lemon or orange for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Suntory Whisky.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in an instant!)
Tequila Highball with Lime and Agave Syrup
Elevate your tequila game with this refreshing highball, perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a little pick-me-up. This unique twist on the classic highball adds a touch of sweetness from agave syrup and a burst of citrus from fresh lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 4 oz ginger ale
– Juice of 1/2 lime
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice (about 1/2 ounce).
3. Add 1/2 ounce of agave syrup to balance out the acidity.
4. Top with 4 oz of ginger ale for a crisp, fizzy finish.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy.
Scotch Highball with Honey and Lemon
This refreshing twist on the classic Scotch Highball combines the smoothness of scotch whisky with the sweetness of honey and the brightness of lemon. Perfect for a warm evening or as a pick-me-up any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Scotch whisky
– 4 oz ginger ale
– 1/2 tsp honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Lemon slice or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the scotch whisky.
3. Add the ginger ale and stir gently to combine.
4. Add the honey syrup and stir until fully incorporated.
5. Squeeze in the lemon juice and drop in the lemon slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Spiced Rum Highball with Ginger Beer
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic highball. The combination of spicy rum, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz spiced rum
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the spiced rum and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the juice of one lime.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready to serve immediately.
Champagne Highball with St. Germain and Soda
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic highball. This bubbly drink combines the sweetness of St. Germain, the crispness of soda, and the celebratory spirit of champagne.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz champagne
– 1/2 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
– 3-4 oz club soda
– Lemon twist or wheel (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the champagne and St. Germain.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Express a lemon twist over the drink, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve in mere minutes.
Rye Whiskey Highball with Apple Cider
Elevate your whiskey game with this refreshing highball, combining the spicy warmth of rye whiskey with the crisp sweetness of apple cider.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Rye Whiskey
– 4 oz Apple Cider
– Slice of apple (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the rye whiskey.
3. Top with apple cider.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of apple, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Enjoy the perfect blend of spicy and sweet in this Rye Whiskey Highball with Apple Cider.
Mezcal Highball with Grapefruit and Chili Salt
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Mezcal highball infused with the bold flavors of grapefruit and chili salt. Perfect for warm weather or a spicy kick any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 4 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Slice of grapefruit, for garnish
– Chili salt, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with chili salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add Mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Cooking Time: None
Brandy Highball with Orange and Bitters
This classic cocktail combines the warmth of brandy with the brightness of orange and a hint of bitters, perfect for sipping on a crisp evening or as an after-dinner treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz brandy
– 4 oz ginger ale
– Juice of 1/2 orange (about 2 tbsp)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the brandy and ginger ale.
3. Add the orange juice, stirring gently to combine.
4. Drop in one dash of Angostura bitters.
5. Stir briefly to release the flavors.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and enjoy.
Pimm’s Highball with Lemonade and Fresh Berries
This classic British cocktail gets a sweet and tangy twist with the addition of lemonade and fresh berries. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
– 4 oz lemonade
– 1 cup mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– Slice of lemon and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade.
3. Add the fresh berries to the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a slice of lemon over the drink and drop it in.
6. Garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
White Wine Highball with Elderflower Tonic
Experience the perfect balance of crisp white wine and subtle floral notes with this refreshing highball cocktail. This recipe is a great way to unwind on a warm day or evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz white wine (dry and crisp, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
– 4 oz Elderflower Tonic
– Slice of lemon or orange for garnish
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the white wine.
3. Top with Elderflower Tonic, holding back the foam with a spoon if desired.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a slice of lemon or orange over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and serve.
Dark ‘n Stormy Highball with Gosling’s Rum
A refreshing twist on the classic Dark ‘n Stormy, this highball combines the rich flavor of Gosling’s Black Seal Rum with the tanginess of ginger beer and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
– 4 oz Ginger Beer
– Juice of 1 Lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Gosling’s Black Seal Rum.
3. Top with ginger beer and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice and drop the lime wheel into the glass.
Cooking Time: None, just shake and serve!
Amaretto Highball with Cola and Orange Twist
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic highball.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Amaretto liqueur
– 4 oz cola
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– Splash of orange twist syrup (optional)
– Ice
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Amaretto liqueur and cola.
3. Squeeze in the freshly squeezed orange juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. If desired, add a splash of orange twist syrup for extra flavor and a touch of sweetness.
6. Garnish with an orange twist.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to drink immediately.
Enjoy your Amaretto Highball with Cola and Orange Twist!
Fernet Highball with Ginger Ale and Lime
Elevate your highball game with this unique combination of Fernet-Branca, ginger ale, and a squeeze of lime. The bitter notes of the Fernet are perfectly balanced by the spicy kick of the ginger ale, while the lime adds a touch of brightness.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Fernet-Branca
– 4 oz ginger ale
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Fernet-Branca.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice and drop the lime wheel into the glass.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None! Serve immediately and enjoy.
Summary
Beat the heat this summer with these refreshing highball recipes! From classic whiskey and ginger ale to adventurous combinations like mezcal and grapefruit, there’s a drink for every taste. Try pairing bourbon with peach syrup and lemon soda or mixing vodka with grapefruit juice and rosemary. For a twist on the classics, combine scotch with honey and lemon or rum with pineapple juice and coconut water. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these 18 highball recipes are sure to quench your thirst all summer long.
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