As the temperature rises, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing highball to quench your thirst. A classic cocktail made with spirits, mixers, and garnishes, highballs are perfect for hot summer days spent by the pool or at a backyard BBQ. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 unique and delicious highball recipes that are sure to become your new go-to drinks for the season.
From classic combinations like whiskey and soda to more adventurous pairings like peach tea and bourbon, we’ve got something for every taste bud. Whether you’re looking for a simple sipper or a show-stopping cocktail to impress your friends, these highball recipes have got you covered.
Classic Whiskey Highball
Elevate your cocktail game with this straightforward recipe for a Classic Whiskey Highball. This refreshing drink combines the smoothness of whiskey with the crispness of ginger ale, making it perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Whiskey (your preferred brand)
– 4 oz Ginger Ale
– Lime Wedge (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
3. Top the whiskey off with ginger ale, stirring gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink, if desired, and drop it in.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail, not a cooked dish!)
Gin and Tonic Highball
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Gin and Tonic Highball, perfect for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 4 oz tonic water
– Lime wedges (for garnish)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour the gin over the ice.
3. Top with tonic water, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.
Cooking Time: None (just assemble and serve!)
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of tonic water to your taste.
– Try using different types of gin or tonics for unique flavor profiles.
– Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or mint for added flair.
Vodka Soda Highball
Combine the crispness of soda water with the smoothness of vodka for a simple yet satisfying drink.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz vodka (any brand you prefer)
– 4 oz soda water
– Lime wedge or slice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the vodka, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
3. Top the vodka off with soda water, creating a layered effect.
4. Stir briefly to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge or slice, if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Enjoy your refreshing Vodka Soda Highball whenever you need a quick pick-me-up or a light drink for a social gathering.
Rum and Ginger Highball
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Rum and Ginger Highball, perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a crisp drink.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 ounces dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
• 4 ounces ginger beer
• Juice of 1 lime
• Ice
• Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum and top with ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None needed!
Tips: Adjust the amount of ginger beer to your taste, depending on how spicy you like it. You can also add a splash of simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Bourbon Lemonade Highball
Elevate your summer sipping game with this sweet and tangy Bourbon Lemonade Highball. This refreshing drink combines the smoothness of bourbon with the brightness of lemonade, perfect for hot days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 4 oz fresh lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 oz sparkling water
– Slice of lemon, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon whiskey and fresh lemonade.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of lemon.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in 5 minutes or less.
Japanese Shochu Highball
Combine the smoothness of shochu with the crispness of soda water and a squeeze of citrus for a revitalizing highball perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Japanese shochu
– 4 oz soda water
– Slice of lemon or lime (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the shochu.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Express a slice of lemon or lime over the drink, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in an instant!)
Spiced Apple Cider Highball
This autumnal highball combines the comforting flavors of apple cider with a hint of spice, making it perfect for crisp fall evenings or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 4 oz apple cider
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground allspice
– Slice of apple, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the bourbon or whiskey and set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, warm the apple cider over low heat.
4. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the apple cider and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the spiced apple cider into the highball glass with the bourbon or whiskey.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a slice of apple.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Elderflower Gin Highball
Escape to a refreshing summer evening with this Elderflower Gin Highball, featuring the delicate flavors of elderflower liqueur and crisp gin.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Elderflower Liqueur
– 3 oz Gin
– 4 oz Sparkling Water
– Slice of Lemon or Lime (optional)
– Ice Cubes
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Elderflower Liqueur and Gin.
3. Top with Sparkling Water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Express a slice of lemon or lime over the drink, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None!
Enjoy your refreshing Elderflower Gin Highball on a warm evening or anytime you need a revitalizing pick-me-up.
Peach Tea Bourbon Highball
Elevate your summer sipping game with this sweet and tangy Peach Tea Bourbon Highball. The perfect blend of warm peach tea, smooth bourbon, and refreshing lemon-lime soda.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 4 oz peach tea (brewed strong)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 oz lemon-lime soda
– Ice
– Fresh peach slice or wheel for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon and peach tea.
3. Squeeze in the lemon juice.
4. Top with lemon-lime soda.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a fresh peach slice or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just 5 minutes.
Cucumber Mint Vodka Highball
Refresh your spirits with this revitalizing Cucumber Mint Vodka Highball, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka (such as Grey Goose or Ketel One)
– 4-6 slices of cucumber
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Juice from 1 lime
– 3 oz ginger ale
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Muddle the cucumber and mint leaves in a highball glass until well combined.
2. Add the vodka and squeeze in the lime juice.
3. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
4. Top with ginger ale.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready in an instant!)
Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Mint Vodka Highball!
Pineapple Rum Highball
Elevate your highball game with this sweet and tangy combination of pineapple, rum, and ginger beer. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 cup ginger beer
– Slice of pineapple for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the dark rum and pineapple juice.
3. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice.
4. Top with ginger beer.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of pineapple.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Blackberry Sage Whiskey Highball
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of blackberries with the earthy flavor of sage, all wrapped up in a smooth whiskey highball. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique twist on a classic drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye work well)
– 4 oz ginger ale
– 1/2 oz blackberry puree
– 1/4 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz sage-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Fresh blackberries and sprigs of sage for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey, ginger ale, blackberry puree, and simple syrup.
3. Add a dash of sage-infused simple syrup (about 1/4 oz).
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh blackberries and sprigs of sage.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Grapefruit Rosemary Gin Highball
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of citrus, herbal flavors, and crisp gin. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion where you want to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water)
– 3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary leaves
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup.
3. Add a few sprigs of rosemary leaves to the glass.
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooking one.
Enjoy your Grapefruit Rosemary Gin Highball!
Cherry Cola Bourbon Highball
A twist on the classic bourbon highball, this refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of cherry cola with the smoothness of bourbon.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 4 oz cherry cola
– 1 lime wedge
– Ice
– Cherry garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon whiskey.
3. Top with cherry cola.
4. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None! This is a quick mix-and-serve cocktail.
Enjoy your Cherry Cola Bourbon Highball!
Lime and Coconut Rum Highball
This refreshing cocktail combines the tanginess of lime with the creaminess of coconut, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz coconut rum
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 oz ginger ale
– 1/2 cup shaved ice
– Lime wheel and toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with shaved ice.
2. Pour in the coconut rum, followed by the freshly squeezed lime juice.
3. Top with ginger ale and stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and toasted coconut flakes, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Spicy Ginger Beer Highball
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Spicy Ginger Beer Highball, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz ginger-infused vodka (or regular vodka with added ginger syrup)
– 4 oz ginger beer
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– Slice of fresh ginger, for garnish
– Sprig of mint, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with crushed ice.
2. Pour in the ginger-infused vodka and top with ginger beer.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a lime wedge over the drink and drop it in.
5. Garnish with a slice of fresh ginger and a sprig of mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail, not a cooked dish.
Honey Lemon Whiskey Highball
Elevate your whiskey game with this sweet and tangy highball, perfect for warm evenings or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up. This Honey Lemon Whiskey Highball combines the smoothness of whiskey with the brightness of lemon and the warmth of honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 4 oz ginger ale
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the whiskey and lemon juice.
3. Add the honey syrup and stir gently to combine.
4. Top with ginger ale and stir briefly to mix.
5. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Orange Blossom Vodka Highball
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic highball.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Orange Blossom Vodka
– 4 oz Sparkling water
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed orange juice
– Slice of orange, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a tall glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Orange Blossom Vodka.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Squeeze in the freshly squeezed orange juice.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of orange.
Cooking Time: None! This highball is ready in just 5 minutes.
Enjoy your citrusy and bubbly Orange Blossom Vodka Highball!
Summary
Beat the heat with these refreshing highball recipes perfect for summer! From classic whiskey and gin combinations to fruity twists like peach tea bourbon and pineapple rum, there’s something for everyone. Try a Spiced Apple Cider Highball or an Elderflower Gin Highball for a unique twist on the classic cocktail. Whatever your taste, these 18 highball recipes are sure to quench your thirst all season long.
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
