Bourbon Highball

The Bourbon Highball is a lesson in restraint: a spirit-forward drink that feels lighter than it tastes because the carbonation and citrus lift the oak, vanilla, and caramel notes in good bourbon. This version leans on a 1:3 ratio — two ounces of bourbon to six ounces of soda — which keeps the whiskey’s character present without overpowering a conversation or a summer lawn chair. Using big, cold ice and pouring the soda gently preserves effervescence so each sip is lively rather than flat.

What makes this recipe work is the small technique choices: express a lemon or orange twist to release essential oils onto the surface, pour soda down the glass’s side to protect bubbles, and consider a dash of Angostura or a half-ounce of maple syrup for a seasonal nuance. It’s an every-night cocktail that also behaves like a party trick — simple to scale, easy to customize, and forgiving if you’re making a round for friends. Choose a bourbon you enjoy neat; the highball reveals rather than disguises the spirit.