Feeling parched and in need of a refreshing drink? You’ve come to the right place! Highball cocktails are the perfect solution—simple, elegant, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or just unwinding after a long day, these 30 exquisite recipes promise delightful sips with minimal fuss. So grab your favorite glass, and let’s dive into a world of crisp, bubbly, and utterly refreshing highballs!
Classic Whiskey Highball
Unleash your inner mixologist with this timeless cocktail. Upgrade your happy hour game with just three ingredients. Master this classic in under two minutes flat.
Ingredients
– Whiskey – 2 oz
– Ginger ale – 4 oz
– Ice cubes – 1 cup
– Lemon wedge – 1
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz of whiskey directly over the ice in the glass.
3. Top with 4 oz of ginger ale, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
4. Squeeze the juice from 1 lemon wedge into the drink.
5. Stir gently 3-4 times with a bar spoon to combine ingredients without over-diluting.
6. Drop the squeezed lemon wedge into the glass as garnish.
7. Serve immediately while the drink is still cold and effervescent.
Grab this crisp, bubbly cocktail and experience the perfect balance of smooth whiskey and spicy ginger. The ice keeps it refreshingly cold while the lemon brightens every sip. Try serving it alongside spicy appetizers or as your go-to weekend unwind drink.
Gin and Tonic Highball
Kick back with this effortless Gin and Tonic Highball—it’s crisp, refreshing, and ready in under 2 minutes. Keep it classic or customize with your favorite gin. Perfect for summer sipping or winding down after a long day.
Ingredients
Gin – 2 oz
Tonic water – 4 oz
Lime – 1 wedge
Ice – 1 cup
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz of gin directly over the ice in the glass.
3. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime wedge into the glass, then drop the spent wedge in.
4. Slowly top with 4 oz of tonic water to preserve its carbonation.
5. Stir gently 3-4 times with a bar spoon to combine without losing bubbles.
6. Serve immediately while the drink is still icy cold and effervescent.
Fresh and zesty, this highball delivers a bright botanical kick from the gin balanced by tonic’s gentle bitterness. The ice keeps it frosty, while the lime adds a citrusy zing that cuts through the sweetness. Try garnishing with a sprig of rosemary or a slice of cucumber for an aromatic twist.
Tequila Highball with Grapefruit
Lift your cocktail game with this vibrant Tequila Highball. Grab your grapefruit and shake up something spectacular. This citrus-forward sipper delivers instant refreshment in just minutes.
Ingredients
Tequila – 2 oz
Grapefruit juice – 4 oz
Simple syrup – ½ oz
Club soda – 3 oz
Ice – 1 cup
Grapefruit wedge – 1
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz of tequila directly over the ice.
3. Add 4 oz of fresh grapefruit juice to the glass.
4. Measure and pour ½ oz of simple syrup into the mixture.
5. Stir the ingredients vigorously for 15 seconds to combine thoroughly.
6. Top with 3 oz of club soda, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
7. Gently stir once more with a bar spoon for 5 seconds to incorporate the soda.
8. Squeeze 1 grapefruit wedge over the drink to release essential oils.
9. Drop the squeezed wedge into the glass as garnish.
Hits with bright citrus notes that dance across your palate. The crisp grapefruit tang balances beautifully with the tequila’s earthy warmth. Serve it alongside spicy tacos or enjoy as a standalone refresher on sunny afternoons.
Rum and Coke Highball
Whip up this classic cocktail in under 5 minutes—perfect for backyard hangs or pre-game vibes. Grab your favorite rum, crack open some cola, and let’s build this iconic highball that hits every time. Skip the complicated mixology—this is straight-up delicious simplicity.
Ingredients
Dark rum – 2 oz
Cola – 4 oz
Lime – 1 wedge
Ice – 1 cup
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz of dark rum directly over the ice in the glass.
3. Slowly top with 4 oz of cola, pouring down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
4. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime wedge into the drink, then drop the wedge into the glass.
5. Stir gently 3-4 times with a bar spoon to combine without flattening the cola.
6. Serve immediately while the ice is still fresh and the bubbles are lively. Keep the cola chilled before mixing—warm soda melts ice faster and dilutes your drink. Use a jigger for precise measurements; eyeballing can throw off the balanced rum-to-cola ratio. For a frothy top, pour the cola from slightly higher above the glass to aerate it slightly.
Kick back with that crisp, bubbly cola cutting through the smooth caramel notes of the rum. The lime wedge adds a zesty brightness that keeps each sip refreshing—perfect for sipping on a sunny porch or pairing with salty snacks like pretzels or chips.
Vodka Soda Highball
Hate complicated cocktails? Here’s your new go-to. This Vodka Soda Highball delivers crisp refreshment in minutes—perfect for any occasion. Grab your glass and let’s mix.
Ingredients
Vodka – 2 oz
Club soda – 4 oz
Lime – 1 wedge
Ice – 1 cup
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz of vodka directly over the ice.
3. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime wedge into the glass, then drop the spent wedge in.
4. Top with 4 oz of club soda, pouring slowly down the side to preserve bubbles.
5. Stir gently 3-4 times with a bar spoon to combine without flattening the soda.
6. Serve immediately with a reusable straw.
Feels like a crisp breeze in a glass—bright, bubbly, and effortlessly cool. The sharp lime cuts through the clean vodka, while the soda adds a lively fizz that lasts until the final sip. Try garnishing with a sprig of fresh mint or swapping lime for grapefruit for a subtle bitter twist.
Pineapple Coconut Highball
Get ready to shake up your happy hour routine. Grab that cocktail shaker—this tropical sipper delivers instant vacation vibes in just five minutes flat. Your taste buds are about to take a trip to paradise.
Ingredients
- White rum – 2 oz
- Pineapple juice – 4 oz
- Coconut water – 2 oz
- Lime – 1
- Ice cubes – 1 cup
- Club soda – 2 oz
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Pour 2 oz of white rum directly over the ice.
- Add 4 oz of pineapple juice to the shaker.
- Measure 2 oz of coconut water and pour it into the shaker.
- Cut your lime in half and squeeze one half into the shaker. Tip: Roll the lime firmly on your countertop before cutting to maximize juice yield.
- Secure the shaker lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside feels frosty.
- Strain the mixture into a tall highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top the drink with 2 oz of club soda. Tip: Pour the soda slowly down the side of the glass to preserve maximum fizziness.
- Garnish with a thin wheel cut from the remaining lime half. Tip: For extra flair, lightly torch the lime wheel with a kitchen torch for 5 seconds to release aromatic oils.
Chilled, fizzy, and perfectly balanced—this highball tastes like sunshine in a glass. The coconut water adds a subtle creaminess that smooths out the bright pineapple tang. Serve it alongside spicy shrimp tacos for the ultimate sweet-heat combo, or double the batch and transform it into a stunning party punch.
Cucumber Mint Highball
A thirst-quenching cocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping. Grab your shaker and let’s build this crisp, refreshing drink in minutes. You’ll love how the cool mint and crisp cucumber play together.
Ingredients
Cucumber – ½ cup
Fresh mint leaves – 8
Gin – 2 oz
Lime juice – 1 oz
Simple syrup – ¾ oz
Club soda – 4 oz
Ice – 1 cup
Instructions
1. Slice ½ cup cucumber into thin rounds.
2. Place cucumber slices and 8 mint leaves in a cocktail shaker.
3. Muddle firmly for 15 seconds to release juices and oils.
4. Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz lime juice, and ¾ oz simple syrup to shaker.
5. Fill shaker with ½ cup ice.
6. Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until frost forms on outside.
7. Strain mixture into a highball glass filled with ½ cup fresh ice.
8. Top with 4 oz club soda.
9. Gently stir twice with a bar spoon to combine.
10. Garnish with a mint sprig and cucumber slice.
Fresh cucumber pulp gives this drink a subtly cloudy appearance and garden-fresh aroma. The mint provides a cooling finish that lingers between sips. Serve it with extra cucumber ribbons frozen in ice cubes for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
Lemon Lime Gin Highball
A zesty gin highball that slaps harder than summer humidity. Grab your shaker and crush this citrus bomb in under five minutes. Your taste buds will thank you later.
Ingredients
Gin – 2 oz
Lime juice – 1 oz
Lemon juice – 1 oz
Simple syrup – ¾ oz
Club soda – 4 oz
Ice – 2 cups
Lime wheel – 1
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass with 1½ cups of ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz of gin directly over the ice in the glass.
3. Squeeze 1 oz of fresh lime juice into a jigger.
4. Squeeze 1 oz of fresh lemon juice into the same jigger.
5. Add ¾ oz of simple syrup to the citrus juices.
6. Stir the citrus-syrup mixture with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine.
7. Pour the citrus mixture over the gin and ice in the highball glass.
8. Top with 4 oz of chilled club soda.
9. Gently stir the drink 3 times with a bar spoon to incorporate.
10. Garnish with 1 lime wheel perched on the rim.
11. Serve immediately with a reusable straw.
Nothing beats that crisp, effervescent fizz dancing with sharp citrus notes. The gin’s botanical backbone shines through without overpowering. Try rimming the glass with tajín for a spicy kick, or swap club soda for grapefruit soda to deepen the citrus profile.
Cranberry Vodka Highball
Grab your shaker—this cranberry vodka highball is about to become your go-to party pour. Perfectly balanced and dangerously easy, it’s the vibrant cocktail that looks as good as it tastes. Get ready to shake, pour, and impress in under five minutes flat.
Ingredients
– Vodka – 2 oz
– Cranberry juice – 4 oz
– Lime juice – ½ oz
– Simple syrup – ½ oz
– Ice – 1 cup
– Club soda – 2 oz
– Lime wheel – 1
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice to keep your drink chilled without diluting it too quickly.
2. Pour 2 oz of vodka directly over the ice in the glass.
3. Add 4 oz of cranberry juice to the glass for that signature tart-sweet base.
4. Squeeze ½ oz of fresh lime juice into the mix—using fresh lime brightens the flavor compared to bottled juice.
5. Stir in ½ oz of simple syrup to balance the tartness; adjust if you prefer sweeter or sharper notes.
6. Top with 2 oz of club soda, pouring slowly down the side to preserve the fizz.
7. Gently stir the cocktail just twice to combine without losing carbonation.
8. Garnish with a thin lime wheel perched on the rim for a professional touch. Keep your highball frosty by chilling the glass beforehand for an extra-refreshing sip.
Kick back with this vibrant red sipper—its crisp, effervescent bubbles cut through the cranberry’s tang, while the vodka adds a smooth, clean finish. Serve it over extra ice with a striped straw for backyard vibes, or pair it with spicy appetizers to let the sweet-tart notes shine.
Bourbon Ginger Ale Highball
Whip up this bourbon ginger ale highball in under 5 minutes—it’s the ultimate refreshing cocktail that balances sweet, spicy, and strong. Grab your favorite glass and let’s mix something seriously satisfying.
Ingredients
- Bourbon – 2 oz
- Ginger ale – 4 oz
- Lemon – 1 slice
- Ice cubes – 1 cup
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Pour 2 oz of bourbon directly over the ice.
- Tip: Use a jigger for precise measurements to keep the drink perfectly balanced.
- Slowly add 4 oz of ginger ale down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
- Gently stir the mixture 5–6 times with a bar spoon to combine without flattening the bubbles.
- Cut a ¼-inch thick slice from the center of a fresh lemon.
- Squeeze the lemon slice gently over the drink to release its oils and juice.
- Drop the squeezed lemon slice into the glass as a garnish.
- Tip: Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand for an extra-frosty sip.
- Serve immediately while the drink is still effervescent and cold.
- Tip: For a stronger ginger kick, use a spicy, high-quality ginger ale and avoid over-stirring.
Refreshingly crisp with a smooth bourbon warmth, this highball delivers bubbly ginger spice and a bright lemon finish. Try it with a grilled peach slice for a smoky-sweet twist, or enjoy it alongside salty snacks to highlight its zesty kick.
Campari Soda Highball
Hate boring cocktails? This Campari Soda Highball smashes expectations with bitter-sweet vibes and serious refreshment. Grab your tall glass and let’s build this vibrant sipper in minutes.
Ingredients
Campari – 2 oz
Club soda – 4 oz
Orange slice – 1
Ice cubes – 1 cup
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Pour 2 oz of Campari directly over the ice.
- Slowly top with 4 oz of club soda to preserve bubbles.
- Gently stir just twice with a bar spoon to mix without flattening the soda.
- Cut a fresh orange slice and squeeze its juice into the drink.
- Drop the squeezed orange slice into the glass as garnish.
Zesty and effervescent, this highball delivers a crisp bitter-sweet punch with every sip. The vibrant red hue looks stunning in sunlight—perfect for patio hangs. Try it with a salty snack to balance the bold flavors.
Elderflower Gin Highball
Whip up this floral gin sensation that’s taking over summer parties. Grab your glass—this highball mixes in minutes and delivers a crisp, botanical punch. Perfect for sipping poolside or shaking up your next barbecue.
Ingredients
- Elderflower liqueur – 1 oz
- Gin – 2 oz
- Fresh lime juice – ½ oz
- Ginger beer – 4 oz
- Ice cubes – 1 cup
- Lime wheel – 1 slice
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass completely with 1 cup of ice cubes.
- Pour 1 oz of elderflower liqueur directly over the ice.
- Add 2 oz of gin to the glass.
- Squeeze ½ oz of fresh lime juice into the mixture. Tip: Roll the lime on the counter before juicing to maximize yield.
- Slowly top with 4 oz of ginger beer to preserve carbonation.
- Stir gently 5–6 times with a bar spoon until liquids are combined. Tip: Avoid aggressive stirring to keep the drink effervescent.
- Garnish by placing 1 lime wheel on the rim of the glass. Tip: Lightly slap the lime wheel between your palms before adding to release aromatic oils.
Bubbly ginger beer melds with floral elderflower for a drink that’s both refreshing and complex. The gin’s botanicals peek through each sip, while the lime adds a sharp, citrusy finish. Serve it alongside grilled shrimp skewers or spike with a dash of chili tincture for a spicy twist.
Spicy Mezcal Highball
Viral cocktail alert! This Spicy Mezcal Highball delivers smoky heat in under 5 minutes. Grab your shaker and let’s make magic happen.
Ingredients
Mezcal – 2 oz
Lime juice – 1 oz
Agave syrup – ½ oz
Jalapeño slices – 3
Ginger beer – 4 oz
Ice – 1 cup
Instructions
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ½ cup ice.
2. Pour 2 oz mezcal into the shaker.
3. Add 1 oz fresh lime juice.
4. Measure ½ oz agave syrup and add to shaker.
5. Drop 2 jalapeño slices into the mixture.
6. Secure the shaker lid tightly.
7. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frost forms on the outside.
8. Fill a highball glass with remaining ½ cup ice.
9. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
10. Top with 4 oz ginger beer.
11. Garnish with the final jalapeño slice.
12. Serve immediately with a reusable straw.
Refreshingly bold with smoky mezcal dancing with spicy jalapeño and zesty lime. The ginger beer adds fizzy warmth that lingers on the palate. Try rimming your glass with tajín for an extra kick or serving alongside citrus-marinated shrimp tacos.
Peach Bourbon Highball
Ditch the complicated cocktails—this peach bourbon highball delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Drop everything and shake up this refreshing sipper that’ll make you feel like a pro mixologist in minutes.
Ingredients
– Peach nectar – 3 oz
– Bourbon – 2 oz
– Ginger beer – 4 oz
– Fresh lemon juice – ½ oz
– Ice cubes – 1½ cups
Instructions
1. Fill a highball glass with 1½ cups of ice cubes.
2. Pour 2 oz of bourbon directly over the ice.
3. Add 3 oz of peach nectar to the glass.
4. Squeeze ½ oz of fresh lemon juice into the mixture.
5. Top with 4 oz of ginger beer, pouring slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation.
6. Stir gently 3-4 times with a bar spoon to combine ingredients without over-mixing.
7. Garnish immediately with a peach slice if desired.
Zesty lemon cuts through the sweet peach nectar, while bourbon adds warm oak notes that linger on the palate. The ginger beer brings a spicy kick that makes this dangerously drinkable—serve it alongside grilled peaches or as your new go-to summer party starter.
Conclusion
Just imagine the possibilities! These 30 highball recipes offer endless refreshing inspiration for your home bar. We hope you’ll mix up a few favorites, share which ones you love in the comments below, and pin this article on Pinterest to keep these delightful drinks handy for your next gathering. Cheers to your cocktail adventures!
