Whiskey Highball Recipe: The Japanese Bartending Classic

Buffalo House
2026-04-17T16:40:49-04:00

The Japanese-style whiskey highball — premium whisky, ice-cold soda, perfect technique. Simple, elegant. Shop whiskey at Buffalo House.
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Born from Japan’s devotion to precision and texture, the Whiskey Highball is a minimalist long drink that showcases whisky by pairing it with very cold sparkling water so the spirit’s subtleties shine. The modern Japanese highball emphasizes temperature control, measured pours and gentle handling to preserve carbonation and surface aromatics—techniques refined at bars across Tokyo and now in places from Osaka to Buffalo. What makes an exceptional version is restraint and attention to cold: a modest measure of whisky, chilled soda, and soft stirring. A practical tip is to pre-chill glassware and bottles; a cold vessel keeps the fizz and lifts the whisky’s delicate notes.

Prep4 min

Servings1 cocktail

GlassHighball glass

DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

1 ½ oz | Japanese whisky (e.g., Suntory Toki)
4 oz | chilled club soda or soda water
1 cup | large cold ice cubes
1 tsp | lemon peel (optional, expressed oils)

Instructions

1. Pre-chill a tall highball glass and keep the soda bottle and whisky very cold before building.

2. Fill the chilled highball glass with large cold ice cubes to just above the rim.

3. Measure and pour 1.5 oz Japanese whisky over the ice.

4. Slowly pour 4 oz chilled club soda down the back of a bar spoon into the glass to preserve carbonation.

5. Gently stir two to three times with the bar spoon, using long, soft strokes to integrate without knocking out bubbles.

6. Express the lemon peel over the surface to release oils and rest it on the rim or drop it in as an optional garnish, then serve immediately.

Garnish: Lemon peel (optional)

💡 Pro tips: Keep bottle, glass, whisky, and soda as cold as possible to maximize effervescence and clarity; dilution from cold ice is part of the drink's balance. Pour soda slowly over a bar spoon and stir gently just enough to combine—vigorous agitation kills the sparkle. For variation, try a slightly lighter whisky (lower cask influence) to emphasize bright citrus and malt notes.

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