Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic17.9% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Hard Cheese, Smoky Food, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseMixerGarnish
- 2.0 ozDesmond & Duff Scotch WhiskyBase
- to tasteGinger AleMixer
- 1 garnishLemon TwistGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirTop
- Put whisky in highball glass with ice cubes and fill with ginger ale or carbonated water.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
- Add twist of lemon peel, if desired, and stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
VeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
GarnishA citrus twist adds aroma and oils to the surface of the drink without changing acidity. Lemon is sharp and clean, orange is softer and sweeter, grapefruit is more bitter. Express the peel over the glass and wipe the rim for maximum impact.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Scotch Whisky Highball?
- The Scotch Whisky Highball is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 17.9%. A standard serving contains approximately 260 calories.
- What does a Scotch Whisky Highball taste like?
- Scotch Whisky Highball has a flavour profile featuring Ginger, Honey, Oak, Smoke. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Scotch Whisky Highball?
- Scotch Whisky Highball pairs well with Hard Cheese, Smoky Food, Steak. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Scotch Whisky Highball?
- The Scotch Whisky Highball has an ABV of approximately 17.9%. That's approximately 1.50 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 260 calories, 27.0g sugar, 27.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Scotch Whisky Highball typically served?
- Scotch Whisky Highball is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Summer, Weekend Drinks. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Scotch Whisky Highball?
- If you enjoy Scotch Whisky Highball, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Scotch Whisky Highball at home?
- Yes. The Scotch Whisky 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 Scotch Whisky 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.