Cocktails

Rum Highball

Rum Highball is an alcoholic cocktail built on Ginger Ale Or Soda Water. It leans sparkling and vanilla. Built and served in a Highball Glass. Expect about 21.7% ABV and roughly 172 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic21.7% ABV3 ingredients

At a Glance

172 kcalCalories

21.7%ABV

9gSugar

9gCarbs

1.46Std 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 ozLight or dark rumBase Spirit
to tasteGinger ale or soda waterBase Spirit
1 garnishLemon twistGarnish

How to Make It

Pour rum into Highball glass over ice cubes.Pour
Fill with ginger ale or soda water and stir.Stirred
Add lemon twist.Add

How to Serve

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

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Sparkling Vanilla

Supporting notes

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.
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.

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

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 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 Rum Highball?: The Rum Highball is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 21.7%. A standard serving contains approximately 172 calories.
What does a Rum Highball taste like?: Rum Highball has a flavour profile featuring Sparkling, Vanilla, Citrus, Tart. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
How strong is a Rum Highball?: The Rum Highball has an ABV of approximately 21.7%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 172 kcal, 9.0g sugar, 9.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Rum Highball typically served?: Rum Highball is often suggested for Happy Hour, Summer, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Rum Highball?: If you enjoy Rum 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 Rum Highball at home?: Yes. The Rum 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 Rum 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.