Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic14.9% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 4 ingredients, stirred drink, requires rimmed glass, uses fresh citrus, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Hard Cheese, Smoky Food, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseSweetenerGarnish
- 2.0 ozBlended Scotch WhiskeyBase
- 2.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
- to tasteSoda Water Or Ginger AleBase
- to tasteLemon And/Or Orange Zest Spiral(S)Garnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
- Stir Scotch and syrup in Collins glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add ice.
- Fill with soda and stir again.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Insert citrus spiral(s) and dangle end(s) over rim of glass.
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.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.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.
Rate this recipe
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 Honey, Oak, Smoke, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Highland Cooler?
- Highland Cooler pairs well with Hard Cheese, Smoky Food, Steak. 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. A standard serving contains 361 calories, 51.9g sugar, 51.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Highland Cooler typically served?
- Highland Cooler is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Highland Cooler?
- If you enjoy Highland Cooler, 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 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.