# Bourbon Highball > A clean, refreshing Bourbon Highball — just bourbon, a bubbly mixer and a citrus twist. This fuss-free drink is perfect for weeknights, backyard gatherings, or any time you want a light, easy whiskey cocktail. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/bourbon-highball ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 25, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe 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. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 5 minutes - Total Time: 5 minutes - Servings: 4 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Measure and pour the bourbon - 4 fl oz Bourbon ### Top with the mixer - 12 fl oz Club soda (very cold) ### Chill and fill the glass - 8 cubes Ice cubes ### Stir gently and garnish - 2 twists Lemon twist (garnish) - 2 twists Orange twist (optional garnish) ### Mix-and-match variations - 2 dashes Angostura bitters (optional) - 12 fl oz Ginger ale (substitute for club soda) - 1 fl oz Maple syrup or simple syrup (optional) ## Ingredient Guide ### Angostura bitters A concentrated aromatic bitter originally formulated in the early 19th century (linked to Angostura/Ciudad Bolívar and now produced in Trinidad), used in cocktails to add depth and balance. It tastes intensely herbal and bitter with warm spice notes (clove, cinnamon, gentian) and a strong aromatic nose; only a few dashes are needed. Widely sold at liquor stores, well-stocked supermarkets, and bar-supply shops; a good substitute is another aromatic cocktail bitters (e.g., Peychaud’s or Fee Brothers) or simply omit if unavailable, though the drink will be slightly less complex. ## Instructions ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ### 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). ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 cocktail): - Calories: 147 kcal - Protein: 0 g - Carbohydrates: 38.6 g - Fat: 0 g - Saturated Fat: 0 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 0 g - Sugar: 38.1 g - Added Sugars: 6.2 g - Cholesterol: 0 mg - Sodium: 7 mg - Potassium: 22 mg - Calcium: 13 mg - Iron: 0.2 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Use large ice cubes Big cubes melt slower and keep the drink cold without diluting it quickly, preserving both flavor and fizz. ### Chill your mixer Keep club soda or ginger ale in the fridge and pour very cold to help maintain carbonation and a brisk mouthfeel. ### Pour soda gently Pouring down the side of the glass minimizes agitation and keeps bubbles lively for longer. ### Express citrus oils Twist the peel over the glass to spray aromatic oils on the surface, then rub the rim and drop it in for extra aroma. ### Adjust bourbon proof Higher-proof bourbons hold up better to dilution, while lower-proof spirits make for an easier-drinking, softer highball. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Ginger Highball Swap club soda for cold ginger ale for a sweeter, spicier profile; omit maple or reduce sugar to keep balance. ### Bitter-Citrus Highball Add one dash of Angostura per glass and use an orange twist to amplify citrus and spice without changing volume ratios. ### Maple-Winter Highball Stir 1/2 fl oz maple syrup into the bourbon before adding soda for a rounded, autumnal sweetness that pairs well with higher-proof bourbon. ### Rye or Scotch Swap Substitute rye for a spicier bite or a lightly peated Scotch for smoky complexity; adjust mixer to taste as these whiskies assert different flavors. ### Low-Alcohol Version Cut the bourbon to 1 oz and top with 7–8 oz of soda for a sessionable drink that keeps the highball framework intact. ## Notes Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, this highball shines when you want a low-effort whiskey drink that still tastes special. Swap the mixer or add a dash of bitters to tailor it to the moment. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Assembled highballs do not store well because soda will go flat; always mix just before serving. You can premix the bourbon, bitters and any syrup in the fridge for up to 48 hours, and keep soda or ginger ale chilled separately to top at service. If you must transport, keep ice and soda in separate containers and combine at the last minute. ### Serving Suggestions Serve the Bourbon Highball with salty, smoky bar snacks like spiced nuts, thin-cut potato chips, or charred sausages — the carbonation and citrus cut richness. For a fuller spread, pair with grilled chicken skewers, soft cheeses, or a bright cabbage slaw to mirror the drink’s refreshing lift. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What bourbon should I use? Use a bourbon you enjoy sipping; a mid-proof (90–100) bottle with vanilla and caramel notes works well because those flavors lift under carbonation. Avoid overly sweet or intensely flavored specialty bottlings that can compete with the soda. ### Can I use tonic instead of club soda? Yes — tonic adds bitterness and quinine notes, turning the drink toward a more complex, slightly bitter profile; reduce any added sweetener if using tonic. ### How do I keep the drink fizzy longer? Start with very cold soda, lots of big ice cubes, pour the soda gently down the glass, and stir minimally; serve immediately after topping. ### Can I make a pitcher ahead for guests? Premix bourbon and any syrups or bitters in a pitcher and refrigerate, but add ice and soda individually to each glass to preserve carbonation when serving. ### Is the maple syrup necessary? No — maple syrup is optional and adds richness and depth; use it sparingly (start with 1/4–1/2 fl oz) so it complements rather than overwhelms the bourbon. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Blender Recipe)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca-easy-blender-recipe) - [Classic Manhattan Cocktail](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/classic-manhattan-cocktail) - [Non Alcoholic Manhattan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/non-alcoholic-manhattan) - [Blueberry Lavender Vodka](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/blueberry-lavender-vodka) - [Cucumber Spritz](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/cucumber-spritz) - [Rum Mojito Classic](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/rum-mojito-classic) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)