20 Refreshing Highball Recipes Perfect for Summer

As the sun starts shining brighter and the temperatures begin to rise, our thoughts turn to refreshing drinks that can quench our thirst on a hot summer day. Enter the humble highball: a simple yet elegant cocktail that combines a base spirit with a splash of soda water and perhaps some additional flavorings. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and timeless or something new and exciting, we’ve got you covered with 20 refreshing highball recipes perfect for sipping on your next summer adventure.

From timeless combinations like whiskey and cola to more adventurous pairings like cucumber mint vodka and soda, our roundup has something for everyone. So grab a glass, chill out, and let the good times roll!

Classic Whiskey Highball

A timeless combination of smooth whiskey and crisp soda, this classic highball is a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz whiskey (bourbon or scotch work well)
– 4-6 oz ginger ale
– Lemon slice or wheel, for garnish
– Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the whiskey over the ice.
3. Top with ginger ale, stirring gently to combine.
4. Squeeze a lemon slice over the drink and drop it in.

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (ready to serve!)

Enjoy your refreshing Classic Whiskey Highball!

Gin and Tonic Highball

This classic cocktail gets a modern spin with the addition of soda water, creating a crisp and revitalizing drink perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this refreshing highball at home.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 4 oz tonic water
– Slice of lemon or lime (optional)
– Soda water
– Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the gin and top with tonic water.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime, if desired.
5. Top with soda water and stir briefly.

Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in minutes.

Vodka Soda Highball

The Vodka Soda Highball is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a pick-me-up. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this crisp and refreshing drink in no time.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz soda water
– Sliced lemon or lime (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour the vodka over the ice.
3. Top the vodka off with soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Express a slice of lemon or lime over the drink, if desired.

Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just 1 minute.

Enjoy your Vodka Soda Highball!

Rum and Cola Highball

A classic combination of rum and cola gets a boost from a squeeze of fresh lime juice, making this highball perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

– 1.5 oz dark rum
– 4 oz cola
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 tsp)
– Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum.
3. Top with cola, leaving about 1 inch at the top.
4. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime and drop it into the glass.
5. Stir briefly to combine.

Cooking Time: None required!

Tequila Highball with Lime

Elevate your happy hour game with this refreshing twist on the classic highball. The perfect blend of tequila, lime juice, and soda water will have you sipping in no time.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz tequila
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 oz)
– 4 oz soda water
– Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila and lime juice.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Squeeze a sliver of lime over the drink and drop it in.

Cooking Time: None! This is a quick and easy cocktail that’s ready in seconds.

Japanese Highball with Yamazaki Whiskey

This Japanese Highball recipe combines the smooth, rich flavors of Yamazaki Whiskey with the crisp, refreshing qualities of soda water and a squeeze of citrus. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique twist on a classic cocktail.

Ingredients:
– 1.5 oz Yamazaki Whiskey
– 4 oz Soda water
– Slice of lemon or lime (about 1/4 inch thick)
– Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Yamazaki Whiskey, leaving about 1 inch at the top for the soda.
3. Top off the whiskey with soda water, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and fizz.
4. Stir briefly to combine.
5. Express a slice of lemon or lime over the drink, releasing its oils and aromas into the glass.
6. Garnish with the citrus slice and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: None!

Enjoy your refreshing Japanese Highball with Yamazaki Whiskey!

Sparkling Wine Highball

Elevate your cocktail game with this bubbly and flavorful Sparkling Wine Highball. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a celebratory drink.

Ingredients:

– 1 oz sparkling wine (such as Prosecco or Champagne)
– 2 oz highball glass
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slices of lemon and orange for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the sparkling wine and lemon juice.
3. Add the simple syrup and stir gently to combine.
4. Stir in a slice or two of lemon and orange for added flavor and visual appeal.

Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!

Enjoy your Sparkling Wine Highball, perfect for toasting any occasion.

Bourbon Ginger Highball

Elevate your highball game with this revitalizing combination of bourbon, ginger beer, and lime. This easy-drinking cocktail is perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz bourbon
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon and ginger beer.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice and drop the lime wheel into the glass.
4. Stir gently to combine.

Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.

Scotch and Soda Highball

Elevate your highball game with this harmonious blend of Scotch whisky, soda water, and a hint of citrus. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz Scotch whisky (preferably a blended or smooth single malt)
– 4 oz soda water
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1/2 teaspoon)
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Scotch whisky.
3. Top with soda water and stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice and drop the lime wheel into the glass.

Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.

Enjoy your revitalizing Scotch and Soda Highball!

Citrus Vodka Highball

Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on a classic highball. The combination of citrus vodka, lemon-lime soda, and a splash of citrus juice creates a crisp and revitalizing drink perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz citrus vodka
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– Slice of lime, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the citrus vodka and top with lemon-lime soda.
3. Add the juice of 1 lime.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 2 minutes.

Peach Schnapps Highball

Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Peach Schnapps Highball, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of the year. This fruity and bubbly drink is sure to delight!

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
– 4 oz Ginger Ale
– Sliced peaches for garnish (optional)
– Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Peach Schnapps.
3. Top with Ginger Ale, leaving about 1/2 inch at the top.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with sliced peaches, if desired.

Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready to serve immediately.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Peach Schnapps Highball!

Spiced Rum and Apple Cider Highball

Warm up with this spicy twist on a classic highball! Spiced Rum and Apple Cider Highball combines the sweetness of apple cider with the warmth of spiced rum, perfect for a chilly fall or winter evening.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz dark spiced rum
– 4 oz apple cider
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Ice
– Lime wheel and cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Add the spiced rum, apple cider, and lime juice.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the drink.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and cinnamon stick, if desired.

Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble and serve.

Elderflower Gin Highball

Experience the delightful combination of floral elderflower liqueur and crisp gin in this refreshing highball cocktail. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing drink.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Elderflower Liqueur
– 3 oz Gin
– 4 oz Sparkling Water
– Sliced Elderflowers or Lemon Wheels (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the elderflower liqueur and gin.
3. Top with sparkling water.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with sliced elderflowers or lemon wheels, if desired.

Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.

Enjoy your Elderflower Gin Highball!

Pineapple Rum Highball

Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Pineapple Rum Highball, perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a fruity and fizzy drink.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– 2 oz ginger ale
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
– Slice of fresh pineapple for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum and pineapple juice.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a slice of fresh pineapple.

Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!

Cucumber Mint Vodka Highball

Elevate your cocktail game with this revitalizing highball, perfect for warm weather or any occasion when you need a refreshing pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/2 cucumber, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice
– Lime wheel (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a highball glass, muddle the sliced cucumber and fresh mint leaves with a spoon or the back of a bar spoon until they’re well combined.
2. Add the vodka and stir to combine.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
4. Garnish with an additional sprig of mint and a lime wheel, if desired.
5. Serve immediately over ice.

Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready in 5 minutes or less.

Enjoy your Cucumber Mint Vodka Highball!

Coconut Water Rum Highball

This tropical cocktail combines the creamy sweetness of coconut water with the rich flavor of rum, creating a refreshing and unique highball perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz dark rum
– 4 oz coconut water
– Juice of 1 lime
– Slice of lime (for garnish)
– Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum and coconut water.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime.

Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.

Berry Infused Gin Highball

Elevate your gin game with this refreshing Berry Infused Gin Highball recipe! A symphony of flavors combines to create a perfect summer sipper.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 4 oz lemon-lime soda
– 1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Slice of lemon or orange for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large glass, muddle the mixed berries with the simple syrup until the berries are well-crushed.
2. Add the gin and stir to combine.
3. Top with lemon-lime soda and stir gently.
4. Garnish with a slice of lemon or orange.

Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just minutes.

Lemonade Whiskey Highball

This citrusy take on the classic whiskey highball is perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings. The combination of lemonade, whiskey, and mint creates a refreshing and revitalizing drink that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz Whiskey (bourbon or Tennessee work well)
– 4 oz Lemonade
– 1/2 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup Mint leaves
– Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the whiskey and lemonade, stirring gently to combine.
3. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice.
4. Garnish with mint leaves.

Cooking Time: None! This drink is ready to serve immediately.

Herbal Tea Bourbon Highball

Experience a unique twist on the classic highball by combining the smoothness of bourbon with the subtle flavors of herbal tea. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm evenings or as a relaxing treat any time of the year.

Ingredients:

– 2 oz bourbon
– 4 oz herbal tea (such as chamomile or lemon balm)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the bourbon and herbal tea.
3. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice.
4. If desired, add simple syrup to balance the flavors.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cooking Time: None needed! Simply mix and serve.

Sparkling Water and Amaretto Highball

Elevate your cocktail game with this elegant and easy-to-make highball, perfect for warm evenings or special occasions. The subtle almond flavor of Amaretto pairs beautifully with the crispness of sparkling water.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 oz Amaretto
– 4 oz sparkling water
– Lime wheel (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the Amaretto and top with sparkling water.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Express a lime wheel over the drink, if desired, and drop it in for garnish.

Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble and serve.

Enjoy your Sparkling Water and Amaretto Highball!

Summary

Get ready to beat the heat with these 20 refreshing highball recipes perfect for summer! From classic whiskey and gin combinations to fruity and herbal twists, we’ve got you covered. Discover new ways to enjoy your favorite spirits, from Scotch and Soda to Pineapple Rum and Coconut Water Rum Highballs. Whether you’re looking for a light and crisp drink or something more bold and adventurous, our highball recipes are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.