Whiskey Highball
A testament to the elegance of simplicity, the Whiskey Highball is a drink perfected in Japan. It's more than just whiskey and soda; it's a precise technique that results in an incredibly crisp, clean, and refreshing cocktail that elevates the spirit without masking it.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Whiskey (Japanese recommended)
- 4-5 oz Chilled Soda Water
- Garnish: Lemon Peel
Instructions
- Chill Everything: The key to a perfect highball is temperature. Place your highball glass, whiskey, and soda water in the freezer or refrigerator until they are very cold.
- Prepare the Glass: Fill the chilled highball glass completely to the brim with large, clear ice cubes.
- Add Whiskey: Pour the chilled whiskey over the ice.
- Add Soda: Gently pour the chilled, highly carbonated soda water down the side of the glass to maintain as much fizz as possible.
- Stir Once: Take a long bar spoon and stir just once from the bottom up. Do not over-stir, as this will kill the carbonation.
- Garnish: Express the oils from a fresh lemon peel over the top of the drink for aroma, then drop it into the glass.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Carbonation is Crucial: The soul of a great highball is its effervescence. Use a freshly opened bottle of high-quality, highly carbonated soda water or club soda. Pouring it gently down the side of the glass onto the ice, rather than directly into the liquid, helps preserve the maximum amount of bubbles.
Quality of Ice Matters: Use large, clear, and solid ice cubes. They will melt slower, keeping your drink cold and crisp without over-diluting it. The goal is to chill the drink, not water it down. A proper highball should remain bubbly and cold to the last sip.