Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic22.3% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate, Summer
Ingredients & Tools
- 2.0 ozBourbon WhiskeyBase
- to tasteGinger Ale Or Soda WaterBase
- 1 garnishLemon TwistGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Pour whiskey into ice-filled highball glass.
- Fill with ginger ale or soda water and stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add lemon twist.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
VeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritsThis drink uses more than one base spirit, so changing one bottle can shift the balance quickly. Keep the total spirit amount similar and swap within a similar style if you want the drink to stay close to the original.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
GarnishA citrus twist adds aroma and oils to the surface of the drink without changing acidity. Lemon is sharp and clean, orange is softer and sweeter, grapefruit is more bitter. Express the peel over the glass and wipe the rim for maximum impact.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Bourbon Highball?
- The Bourbon Highball is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 22.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 184 calories.
- What does a Bourbon Highball taste like?
- Bourbon Highball has a flavour profile featuring Caramel, Oak, Spice, Vanilla. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Bourbon Highball?
- Bourbon Highball pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Bourbon Highball?
- The Bourbon Highball has an ABV of approximately 22.3%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 184 calories, 9.0g sugar, 9.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Bourbon Highball typically served?
- Bourbon Highball is a popular choice for Summer, Weekend Drinks, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Bourbon Highball?
- If you enjoy Bourbon Highball, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Bourbon Highball at home?
- Yes. The Bourbon Highball uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Bourbon Highball with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.