Ordinary Drink
English Highball
The English Highball is a refreshing cocktail that combines gin and tonic water, garnished with a slice of cucumber or a twist of lemon for an aromatic touch. This elegant drink is served over ice in a tall glass, making it a perfect choice for warm weather or casual gatherings. Its crisp and invigorating flavors capture the essence of a classic British refreshment.
- refreshing
- herbal
- citrusy
- effervescent
- Prep Time
- 5 min
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Yields
- 1 serving
Few ordinary drink recipes deliver refreshing and herbal quite like the English Highball. It leads with brandy and comes together in about 5 minutes. If you've searched for "summer", this is the recipe to bookmark.
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Ingredients
- Serves
- 1 serving
- Glass
- Highball glass
- Prep
- 5 min
- 3/4 ozBrandy
- 3/4 ozGin
- 3/4 ozSweet Vermouth
- Carbonated water
- Lemon peel
Method
Preparation
- 01
Pour brandy, gin, and sweet vermouth into a highball glass over ice cubes. Fill with carbonated water. Add the twist of lemon peel, stir, and serve. (Ginger ale may be substituted for carbonated water, if preferred.)
Origin
History & Origins
The English Highball traces its roots to Victorian-era London, where gin and ginger beer became the quintessential refreshment. This classic long drink has remained a staple in British bars for over a century, representing timeless elegance and simplicity.
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Bartender’s Insight
Pro Tips
Select a premium London Dry gin with botanical complexity
From Elena
Use high-quality ginger beer with genuine spice notes
Fill glass with fresh ice to ensure proper dilution
Top with ginger beer last for carbonation preservation
Garnish with candied ginger for visual appeal
At the Table
Perfect Pairings
Beyond the Classic
Variations
Spiced English Highball
Add fresh ginger syrup and aromatic bitters for enhanced spice depth
Elderflower English Highball
Incorporate St-Germain elderflower liqueur for floral sophistication
Dark Spice Highball
Use spiced rum instead of gin for warmer, richer profile
Questions
Frequently Asked
- The English Highball has a flavor profile that is refreshing, herbal, citrusy, effervescent. It is crafted to balance these characteristics into a harmonious, satisfying drink that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- The English Highball is ideal for garden parties, brunch gatherings, casual get-togethers. Its flavor profile and presentation make it a versatile choice that works equally well as a social cocktail or a relaxed evening drink.
- Yes, there are several ways to adapt a English Highball. If you cannot source Brandy, look for a similar alternative that matches its flavor profile. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the balance of the cocktail, so start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. The variations section above lists popular alternatives bartenders use.
- Some of the most popular English Highball variations include Spiced English Highball, Elderflower English Highball, Dark Spice Highball. Each variation puts a unique twist on the original recipe while retaining the essential character of the classic cocktail.
- The English Highball is traditionally served in a Highball glass. Using the right glassware is important because it affects the aroma, temperature retention, and overall drinking experience. If you do not have a Highball glass on hand, a similar shaped glass will work.
- Yes, a mocktail version of the English Highball is possible. Replace the base spirit with a non-alcoholic spirit alternative (there are many quality options available) and keep all other components the same. The result will capture much of the original's flavor profile while being suitable for guests who prefer alcohol-free options.
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Similar Flavor Profiles
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