Ginger Highball Cocktail Recipe

Ginger Highball Nutrition Facts

Calories:180

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:16g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Ginger Highball cocktail is a refreshing and invigorating drink that originated in Japan. It is a popular choice among whiskey enthusiasts who appreciate the combination of flavors and the effervescence of the ginger ale. The drink is often enjoyed during the warmer months and is a favorite at outdoor gatherings and parties.

  • The Ginger Highball was first created in Japan in the 1920s
  • It gained popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s
  • The cocktail is often associated with summertime and outdoor events

How Ginger Highball Tastes?

The Ginger Highball has a well-balanced taste that is both sweet and spicy. The whiskey provides a warm, rich flavor, while the ginger ale adds a refreshing, effervescent kick. The combination of flavors creates a light, crisp, and invigorating cocktail.

Interesting facts about Ginger Highball

  • The Ginger Highball is sometimes called a 'Whiskey Ginger'
  • The cocktail is often served in a highball glass, which is where it gets its name
  • In Japan, the Ginger Highball is known as a 'Shōchū hai'

Ingredients

A few good options for Ginger Highball are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Whiskey

  • Used as the base spirit, it provides warmth, complexity, and a robust flavor profile. 2oz allows for a balanced drink without overpowering the mixer. Too much whiskey could make the drink too strong, while too little might not be felt at all.

Alex Green

Ginger Ale

  • Adds effervescence and a sweet, spicy kick. 4oz gives a refreshing touch and balances the whiskey; less would make the whiskey too dominant, more could make the drink too diluted.

Emma Rose

Lemon

  • A whole lemon adds acidity and brightness, balancing the sweetness of the ginger ale and enhancing the drink. Without it, the cocktail might taste flat.

Mary Mitkina

Lime

  • Similarly to the lemon, a whole lime brings in some tang and complements the lemon's citrus notes. It also adds a layer of flavor complexity. Forgetting the lime could mean missing out on that extra zest.

Alex Green

Ice

  • Chills the drink, making it more refreshing and diluting it slightly as it melts, which is essential for a highball's character. The right amount of ice keeps the drink cold longer without too much dilution.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Ginger Highball Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice
  2. Pour 2oz of whiskey over the ice
  3. Top with 4oz of ginger ale
  4. Squeeze the juice of one lemon and one lime into the glass
  5. Stir gently to combine
  6. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh ginger ale: The quality of your ginger ale can greatly affect the taste of your Ginger Highball. For the best results, use a fresh, high-quality ginger ale.
  • Chill your glass: Before preparing your cocktail, chill your highball glass. This will help keep your drink cold for longer.
  • Use a good quality whiskey: The whiskey is the star of this cocktail, so make sure to use a good quality one.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Charcuterie Board: The spicy and citrus notes of the Ginger Highball match well with cured meats and various cheeses, enhancing the flavors without overpowering them.

Main Courses

  • Asian Dishes: Particularly those with ginger accents like stir-fried noodles or sushi, the Ginger Highball compliments their savory and umami flavors.
  • Grilled Chicken: The smokiness from the grilling pairs beautifully with the whiskey while the citrus cuts through the fat.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: The lemon in both the tart and the cocktail will echo each other, making for a harmonious pairing.

Other Drinks

  • Non-alcoholic ginger beer could be enjoyed alongside for those who prefer a mocktail version.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Ginger Highball

  • Whiskey: You can substitute the whiskey with bourbon or rye.
  • Ginger Ale: If you don't have ginger ale, you can use ginger beer. It will give a more spicy flavor to the cocktail.
  • Lemon and Lime: If you don't have fresh lemons or limes, you can use bottled juice. However, fresh is always best.

Explore all drinks starting with G here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Ginger Highball

  • Ingredients: Whiskey, Ginger Beer, Fresh Jalapeño, Lemon, Lime, Ice
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe but use spicy ginger beer instead of ginger ale and add a slice of fresh jalapeño for an extra kick. Muddle the jalapeño slice in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
  • The taste will be bolder with a more pronounced ginger spice and a hint of heat, making it a great choice for those who love a bit of a challenge in their sip.

Apple Cinnamon Highball

  • Ingredients: Apple Whiskey, Cinnamon Stick, Ginger Ale, Lemon, Lime, Ice
  • Recipe: Use apple-flavored whiskey and add a cinnamon stick for garnish. This turns the cocktail into a fall classic with a comforting apple and cinnamon aroma.
  • The taste profile will blend the warmth of whiskey with the seasonal flavors of apple and cinnamon, making it an excellent companion for chilly nights.

Herbal Ginger Highball

  • Ingredients: Whiskey, Ginger Ale, Lemon, Lime, Fresh Basil, Ice
  • Recipe: Add fresh basil leaves to the glass and gently muddle before following the original recipe.
  • This version will have an herbal freshness paired with ginger's zing—ideal for a summer afternoon or when you're in the mood for something a little more earthy.

In case you forgot basics how to make Ginger Highball

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Ginger Highball

What other garnishes can be used for the Ginger Highball?

Besides a lemon or lime wedge, you can use a ginger slice, cherry, or even a sprig of mint for garnish.

What's the difference between a highball glass and a regular glass?

A highball glass is taller and narrower than a regular glass, giving enough space to mix in the different ingredients and to fill with ice while maintaining the carbonation of the ginger ale.

Can I make a Non-Alcoholic version of Ginger Highball?

Yes, you can substitute the whiskey with a non-alcolholic ginger ale for a refreshing ginger drink. However, it would lack the kick provided by Whiskey.

Is it possible to make the Ginger Highball in batches for parties?

Yes, the Ginger Highball can be made in large quantities. Remember to keep the ratio of the ingredients intact for consistency of flavor.

What type of whiskey is commonly used in the Ginger Highball?

Most commonly, a lighter, smooth whiskey or bourbon is used. However, it can be tailored based on personal preference.

More similar recipes to Ginger Highball!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe