18 Best Japanese Highball Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!

Published on: Mar 25, 2024

The Japanese highball has become a staple in bars and restaurants around the world, offering a refreshing and unique twist on the classic whiskey soda. Made with a combination of Japanese whiskey, soda water, and ice, this simple yet flavorful drink has gained a loyal following due to its smooth and crisp taste. While there are many variations of the Japanese highball, here is a professional and well-organized recipe for making the best one at home.

Jump to Recipe

The Ingredients

To create the perfect Japanese highball, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Japanese Whiskey

The key to a delicious Japanese highball is using a good quality Japanese whiskey. Popular brands such as Suntory Toki, Nikka Coffey Grain, and Yamazaki 12 Year are great options to try. Make sure to use whiskey that is smooth and flavorful to enhance the taste of your highball.

2. Soda Water

The second ingredient is soda water, which is what gives the highball its signature fizz. Make sure to use chilled soda water to keep your drink refreshing and bubbly. You can also substitute soda water with sparkling mineral water for a slightly different taste.

3. Ice

Last but not least, you will need ice to keep your highball cold and refreshing. You can use regular ice cubes or opt for large, clear ice cubes to add a touch of elegance to your drink.

The Recipe

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it's time to make the best Japanese highball. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Chill the Glass

To keep your highball cold, it's important to chill the glass first. You can do this by filling it with ice and soda water for a few minutes before discarding the ice and water.

Step 2: Add Whiskey and Ice

Next, add 1 part of your chosen Japanese whiskey to the chilled glass. Then, add a handful of ice cubes to the glass.

Step 3: Stir

Using a long-handled bar spoon, gently stir the whiskey and ice together for about 10-15 seconds. This will help to chill and dilute the whiskey, creating a smooth and balanced taste.

Step 4: Top with Soda Water

Once the whiskey and ice are well combined, top the glass with 2 parts of soda water. This will give your highball its signature fizz and make it refreshing to drink.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

For an extra touch of flavor, you can garnish your Japanese highball with a lemon twist or orange peel. This will add a subtle citrus aroma to your drink. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfectly crafted Japanese highball. In conclusion, the Japanese highball is a delicious and easy-to-make drink that is perfect for any occasion. By using good quality ingredients and following this professional and well-organized recipe, you can create the best Japanese highball at home. Now that you know the secret to making a great highball, it's time to impress your friends and family with your mixology skills. Cheers!