Bourbon-based

Highball

One of the simplest drinks in the book; spirit, ice, and a mixer; and one of the most popular ways to drink whiskey worldwide. It's practically its own category of bar order in Japan, where the whisky highball has its own dedicated glassware and even canned versions.

Ingredients

2 ozBourbon
4-5 oz, to topChilled club soda (or ginger ale)
1, for garnish (optional)Lemon twist

Glassware Highball glass

Method

Fill a highball glass with ice.
Add the bourbon.
Top with chilled club soda or ginger ale and stir once, gently, so you don't beat out the carbonation.
Garnish with a lemon twist if using.

What to Look For

Dilution here is heavy and constant, so this drink is built to be light and easy to sip slowly rather than to showcase a nuanced pour; a solid standard-proof bottle disappears less than you'd expect, and there's little reason to reach for something rare or expensive.

Proof range: 80–100
Style: Standard mash bill
Price tier: everyday