Bourbon Highball

How to Make Bourbon Highball

1. 1

   Step 1: Chill and fill the glass

   Choose two tall highball glasses and fill each generously with ice cubes so the drink stays cold and carbonated longer. Using lots of ice helps the soda retain fizz and keeps the bourbon from diluting quickly.

   For this step

   • 8 cubesIce cubes
2. 2

   Step 2: Measure and pour the bourbon

   Divide 4 fl oz (120 ml) of bourbon evenly between the two glasses (2 fl oz / ~60 ml per glass). Pour the bourbon directly over the ice to start chilling the spirit.

   For this step

   • 4 fl ozBourbon
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Top with the mixer

   Slowly top each glass with about 6 fl oz (180 ml) of very cold club soda, pouring gently down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. If you prefer a sweeter profile, substitute ginger ale in the same amount.

   For this step

   • 12 fl ozClub soda (very cold)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Stir gently and garnish

   Give each drink one or two gentle stirs with a bar spoon to marry the bourbon and soda without flattening the bubbles. Express a lemon twist over each glass and drop it in; use an orange twist instead for a slightly fruitier aroma.

   For this step

   • 2 twistsLemon twist (garnish)
   • 2 twistsOrange twist (optional garnish)
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Mix-and-match variations

   Try one of these quick variations: 1) Ginger Highball — swap club soda for cold ginger ale for a sweeter, spicier drink. 2) Bitter-Citrus Highball — add 1 dash Angostura bitters per glass and use an orange twist to brighten the flavors. 3) Maple Highball — add 1/2 fl oz (15 ml) maple or simple syrup per glass before topping for a touch of richness (adjust sweetness to taste).

   For this step

   • 2 dashesAngostura bitters (optional)
   • 12 fl ozGinger ale (substitute for club soda)
   • 1 fl ozMaple syrup or simple syrup (optional)
   

1. Choose two tall highball glasses and fill each generously with ice cubes so the drink stays cold and carbonated longer. Using lots of ice helps the soda retain fizz and keeps the bourbon from diluting quickly.
2. Divide 4 fl oz (120 ml) of bourbon evenly between the two glasses (2 fl oz / ~60 ml per glass). Pour the bourbon directly over the ice to start chilling the spirit.
3. Slowly top each glass with about 6 fl oz (180 ml) of very cold club soda, pouring gently down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation. If you prefer a sweeter profile, substitute ginger ale in the same amount.
4. Give each drink one or two gentle stirs with a bar spoon to marry the bourbon and soda without flattening the bubbles. Express a lemon twist over each glass and drop it in; use an orange twist instead for a slightly fruitier aroma.
5. Try one of these quick variations: 1) Ginger Highball — swap club soda for cold ginger ale for a sweeter, spicier drink. 2) Bitter-Citrus Highball — add 1 dash Angostura bitters per glass and use an orange twist to brighten the flavors. 3) Maple Highball — add 1/2 fl oz (15 ml) maple or simple syrup per glass before topping for a touch of richness (adjust sweetness to taste).