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Cocktails

Bourbon Highball

Bourbon Highball is an alcoholic cocktail built on Ginger Ale Or Soda Water. It leans sparkling, caramel and oak. Built and served in a Highball Glass. Expect about 22.3% ABV and roughly 184 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by How we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction
Cocktailalcoholic22.3% ABV3 ingredients

At a Glance

184 kcalCalories
22.3%ABV
9gSugar
9gCarbs
1.5Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.

These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderatestirred drink

Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires bar spoon

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

  • 2.0 ozBourbon whiskeyBase Spirit
  • to tasteGinger ale or soda waterBase Spirit
  • 1 garnishLemon twistGarnish

How to Make It

  1. Pour whiskey into ice-filled Highball glass.Pour
  2. Fill with ginger ale or soda water and stir.Stirred
  3. Add lemon twist.Add

How to Serve

Glass
Highball Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Ice
Method
Stirred
Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

SparklingCaramelOak

Supporting notes

SpiceVanillaCitrusTart

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong
BodyLight – Full
SweetnessDry – Sweet
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
  • High ABV

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

  • SummerSuggested from its citrus notes.
  • Weekend DrinksSuggested from the drink's flavour and serve.
  • Happy HourSuggested from the drink's flavour and serve.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Food pairings

BBQSteakGrilled Meat

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

VeganVegetarian

May be limited

Low-Sugar

Not compatible

Gluten-Free

Not enough information

KetoLow-Carb
Find gluten-free-compatible cocktails

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Bourbon Whiskey2.0 oz

Rye WhiskeyWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Use the same amount; adjust sweetener if the drink becomes too dry.
What changes
Rye whiskey can replace bourbon when a spicier, drier version is acceptable.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatible

Lemon Twist1 garnish

Lemon PeelGood swap
How much to use
Use a similar-sized piece of peel.
What changes
Lemon peel is usually a close substitute for a lemon twist.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatible
Orange TwistWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use the same size twist.
What changes
Orange twist can replace lemon twist when a sweeter orange aroma is acceptable.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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 Sparkling, Caramel, Oak, Spice. 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, Steak, Grilled Meat. 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. This recipe is estimated to contain 184 kcal, 9.0g sugar, 9.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Bourbon Highball typically served?
Bourbon Highball is often suggested for Happy Hour, Summer, Weekend Drinks, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Bourbon Highball?
If you enjoy Bourbon Highball, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
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.