You have probably seen someone order a Whisky Highball at a bar. The drink looks straightforward, just whisky and soda in a tall glass of ice. But that simplicity is exactly what makes a highball appealing.
A highball is a cocktail made with one spirit and a larger proportion of carbonated mixer.
The typical ratio is one part alcohol to two or three parts mixer. It is always served cold in a tall glass called a highball glass.
Here is what most people miss. Roughly 90 percent of mixed drinks at a bar are highballs. Gin and Tonic, Rum and Coke, even Vodka Soda.
Chances are, you have already had one without knowing
it.
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What Sets a Highball Apart from Other Cocktails
Many people see highballs and cocktails as two separate things. In reality, a highball belongs to the cocktail family.
The difference comes down to two things.
1. The Recipe Is Far Simpler
A typical cocktail involves two or more types of alcohol, plus syrups, juices, bitters, and garnishes.
A highball takes a different approach. You only need one spirit and one carbonated mixer.
Because the recipe is minimal, the base spirit stays front and center. The mixer simply lengthens the drink and adds freshness.
2. It Is Always Served in a Tall Glass
A highball has its own serving ritual. It always comes in a tall, straight-sided glass with room for ice, spirit, and mixer. The slim shape keeps carbonation lasting longer.
Mixing is just as simple. Everything goes directly into the glass, not a shaker. A gentle stir or two keeps the bubbles intact.
How to Make a Highball at Home
Once you understand the structure, making a highball is easy. You do not need fancy bar equipment and the process takes under a minute.
1. Prepare Your Glass and Ice
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to three-quarters full. Use larger cubes since they melt more slowly.
Enough ice keeps the drink cold from the first sip to the last.
2. Pour the Spirit and Mixer
Add about 45 ml (1.5 oz) of your chosen spirit. Top with chilled carbonated mixer until the glass is nearly full. A cold mixer helps carbonation hold up longer after pouring.
3. Stir Gently and Serve
One or two rotations is all it takes. The goal is to blend spirit and mixer without losing the bubbles.
Too much stirring makes the drink go flat. Add a lemon or orange slice as garnish if you like.
Highball Variations Worth Trying
Now that you know the basics, you can experiment with different spirit-and-mixer pairings. Each variation has its own character.
1. Whisky Highball
This is the most classic and most ordered highball worldwide. The combination is simple, just whisky and soda water.
In Japan, the highball has become a drinking culture of its own. The Japanese call it haibōru, and bars there follow precise stirring standards for every glass.
In Jakarta, you can find a standout Whisky Highball at Bottom Parlour. The bar serves its Highball with Modernhaus House Blend Whisky, water, and CO₂.
This blend combines Bourbon, Japanese Whisky, and Single Malt Scotch Islay Whisky, rested for 40 days in a Bourbon barrel.
The result is a whisky with herbal notes, peppermint, citrus zest, and a soft smoke at the finish. That layered profile makes the Highball at Bottom Parlour feel light and complex at once.
2. Gin and Tonic
This variation pairs gin with tonic water. The bitterness of the tonic meets gin's juniper character and creates a crisp, refreshing combination.
A lime slice on top adds a citrus lift. It is an easy pick when the weather is warm.
3. Rum and Coke
Rum and cola come together in this crowd-favorite highball. The sweetness of cola softens rum's bold character, making the drink smooth and easy to enjoy.
A squeeze of lime is often added for balance. In some countries, this version goes by Cuba Libre.
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Enjoy the Best Whisky Highball at Bottom Parlour Jakarta
A highball proves that a great cocktail does not need to be complicated. One spirit, one mixer, and the right technique are enough.
If you are curious to try a Whisky Highball with carefully crafted whisky, Bottom Parlour is worth a visit. The bar houses more than 500 whisky labels from around the world. You can also order a Penicillin, Whisky Sour, or Old Fashioned, all mixed by experienced bartenders.
Bottom Parlour is at Jl. Suryo No.32, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. The atmosphere is relaxed and whisky-focused, perfect for a quiet evening or a flavor exploration with friends.
Visit Bottom Parlour and discover a new way to enjoy whisky through a glass of highball.
