Cocktails

Cognac Highball

Cognac Highball is an alcoholic cocktail built on Ginger Ale Or Soda Water. It leans sparkling, dried fruit and grape. Built and served in a Highball Glass. Expect about 19.9% ABV and roughly 178 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic19.9% ABV3 ingredients

At a Glance

178 kcalCalories

19.9%ABV

9gSugar

9gCarbs

1.33Std 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 ozCognacBase Spirit
to tasteGinger ale or soda waterBase Spirit
1 garnishLemon twist (optional)Garnish

How to Make It

Pour Cognac into ice-filled Highball glass and fill with ginger ale or soda water.Pour
Add lemon twist, if desired, and stir.Stirred

How to Serve

Glass: Highball Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Ice
Method: Stirred

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Sparkling Dried FruitGrape

Supporting notes

Oak Spice Citrus Tart

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

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

Seafood Ceviche Salads

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

Vegan Vegetarian

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

Cognac2.0 oz

BrandyWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use the same amount; taste before changing citrus or sweetener.
What changes: Another grape brandy can replace Cognac when exact Cognac character is not essential; expect more variation by style and producer.

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 June 18, 2026

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

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Cognac Highball?: The Cognac Highball is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 19.9%. A standard serving contains approximately 178 calories.
What does a Cognac Highball taste like?: Cognac Highball has a flavour profile featuring Sparkling, Dried Fruit, Grape, Oak. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Cognac Highball?: Cognac Highball pairs well with Seafood, Ceviche, Salads. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Cognac Highball?: The Cognac Highball has an ABV of approximately 19.9%. That's approximately 1.33 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 178 kcal, 9.0g sugar, 9.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Cognac Highball typically served?: Cognac Highball is often suggested for Happy Hour, Summer, Weekend Drinks, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Cognac Highball?: If you enjoy Cognac 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 Cognac Highball at home?: Yes. The Cognac 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 Cognac 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.