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Cocktails

Highland Cooler

Highland Cooler is an alcoholic cocktail built on Soda Water Or Ginger Ale. It leans sparkling, honey and oak. Stirred and served in a Collins Glass. Expect about 14.9% ABV and roughly 361 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by How we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction
Cocktailalcoholic14.9% ABV4 ingredients

At a Glance

361 kcalCalories
14.9%ABV
51.9gSugar
51.9gCarbs
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: 4 ingredients, stirred drink, requires rimmed glass, uses fresh citrus, requires bar spoon

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  1. Stir Scotch and syrup in Collins glass.Stirred
  2. Add ice.Add
  3. Fill with soda and stir again.Stirred
  4. Insert citrus spiral(s) and dangle end(s) over rim of glass.Rim

How to Serve

Glass
Collins Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Ice
Method
Stirred
Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

SparklingHoneyOak

Supporting notes

SmokeSweetCitrus

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong
BodyLight – Full
SweetnessDry – Sweet
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
  • Noticeably sweet

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

  • BBQ / CookoutSuggested from its smoke and oak notes, pairing with bbq and grilled meat.
  • SummerSuggested from its citrus notes.

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

SeafoodCevicheSalads

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

Not compatible

Gluten-FreeKetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar
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

Simple Syrup2.0 oz

SugarWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Dissolve well before serving or muddle/shake hard; start with about 1 teaspoon sugar per 1/4 oz syrup.
What changes
Sugar can replace simple syrup if it fully dissolves, but it adds less water.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatible
Agave SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use slightly less at first, then adjust to taste.
What changes
Agave syrup can replace simple syrup, especially in tequila or mezcal drinks, but it adds an earthy agave note.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatible
Demerara SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use the same amount, but avoid in very delicate drinks unless you want the darker flavor.
What changes
Demerara syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, darker sugar note is welcome.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatible
Honey SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use slightly less at first; honey syrup can dominate delicate drinks.
What changes
Honey syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, floral sweetness is acceptable.
Vegetarian-compatible
Maple SyrupNot a neutral swap
How much to use
Use less at first and avoid in delicate citrus or clear drinks unless you want maple flavor.
What changes
Maple syrup can replace simple syrup in darker or whiskey-style drinks, but it is not a neutral swap.
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 Highland Cooler?
The Highland Cooler is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 14.9%. A standard serving contains approximately 361 calories.
What does a Highland Cooler taste like?
Highland Cooler has a flavour profile featuring Sparkling, Honey, Oak, Smoke. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Highland Cooler?
Highland Cooler pairs well with Seafood, Ceviche, Salads. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Highland Cooler?
The Highland Cooler has an ABV of approximately 14.9%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 361 kcal, 51.9g sugar, 51.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Highland Cooler typically served?
Highland Cooler is often suggested for BBQ / Cookout, Summer, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Highland Cooler?
If you enjoy Highland Cooler, 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 Highland Cooler at home?
Yes. The Highland Cooler uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Collins 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 Highland Cooler 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.