Craft the Perfect Bourbon Highball: Your Easy Guide to a Refreshing Ginger Beer Cocktail
The Easiest & Most Refreshing Bourbon Cocktail You’ll Ever Make: Bourbon + Ginger Beer
Searching for a cocktail that effortlessly combines simplicity with sophistication? Look no further than the remarkable Bourbon Highball with Ginger Beer. This timeless classic is your new secret weapon for entertaining or simply unwinding. Requiring only two core ingredients – yes, just two! – this drink masterfully blends the rich, smooth, and warming notes of your favorite bourbon with the vibrant, spicy effervescence of chilled ginger beer. It’s not only incredibly quick to prepare, but its beautiful golden-amber hue makes it a stunning addition to any setting. Whether you’re hosting a lively fall gathering, enjoying a quiet moment on the couch, or seeking a refreshing sip on a warm evening, this highball is universally perfect.
Curious how such a straightforward recipe can deliver such exceptional flavor? Let’s dive in!
The beauty of a highball lies in its ‘built’ nature. This means there’s absolutely no need for a cocktail shaker, no stirring glass, and no complicated steps. It’s a true fuss-free delight. All you need to do is fill a tall highball glass generously with cubed ice, pour in your preferred bourbon, and top it off with your chosen ginger beer. For an unparalleled spicy kick and balanced sweetness, I highly recommend using Fever-Tree Ginger Beer, though any premium brand will elevate your drink. A final touch of a fresh lemon slice adds a bright, zesty aroma and a pop of color that makes the drink truly shine. I love styling this drink with autumnal leaves because its warm amber glow perfectly complements everything I cherish about the fall season, making it an ideal cozy beverage.
If you’re in the mood for more quick, delicious, and comforting drinks perfect for cozy nights in or casual get-togethers, be sure to explore my full cocktail collection. And for those who enjoy a little treat with their drink, consider pairing this Bourbon Highball with one of my easy-to-make snacks, like these delightful Reese’s Pieces Cookies or a rich Chestnut Bundt Cake, to create the ultimate fall-flavored indulgence.
So go ahead – settle in, sip on something golden and sparkling, and savor the profound joy found in life’s simplest pleasures. I’m genuinely delighted you’re here to share this experience.
🎥 Watch the Bourbon Highball Come to Life!
🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Bourbon Highball
Crafting a superb Bourbon Highball truly comes down to selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and a truly refreshing experience.
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Bourbon Whiskey
- The star of the show! For a Bourbon Highball, you’ll want a bourbon that is smooth and mellow, offering a gentle warmth. Since the ginger beer brings a bold, spicy kick, there’s no need to reach for your most complex or high-end bourbon. A good mid-range option with hints of vanilla, caramel, or even a touch of oak works beautifully. These sweet and robust notes complement the ginger beer without being overpowered. If you’re new to the world of bourbon, this cocktail offers a fantastic, approachable introduction to its charms. Look for brands that are readily available and provide a consistent flavor profile.
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Ginger Beer
- This is the ingredient that infuses your cocktail with its delightful sparkle and signature zesty flavor! Ginger beer is distinctly spicier and generally less sweet than ginger ale, giving the highball its characteristic kick. My personal favorite is Fever-Tree Ginger Beer, known for its intense, natural ginger flavor and expertly balanced sweetness. However, feel free to use any high-quality ginger beer you prefer. Just be certain it’s non-alcoholic unless you’re aiming for an even more potent (and perhaps unexpected) twist to your drink! Brands like Gosling’s or Reed’s are also excellent choices for their authentic ginger profiles.
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Cubed Ice
- Plenty of cubed ice is absolutely essential for a perfect Bourbon Highball. It serves multiple crucial purposes: it rapidly chills your drink to the ideal temperature, keeping it crisp and refreshing, and it melts slowly, preventing excessive dilution that could water down the flavors. Steer clear of crushed ice for this recipe, as it melts too quickly and will dilute your cocktail far too fast. Large, solid cubes are your best friend here.
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Lemon Slice (Garnish)
- A simple slice of fresh lemon is more than just decoration; it adds a bright, refreshing aroma and a subtle citrus lift that beautifully complements the bourbon and ginger beer. It’s like a little burst of sunshine in your glass! If you don’t have a lemon on hand, an orange slice makes an equally lovely garnish, as its slightly sweeter citrus notes also pair wonderfully with bourbon. You could even consider a lime wheel for a slightly tarter edge.
For precise quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Bourbon Highball
Making a Bourbon Highball is refreshingly simple. Follow these easy steps to create a perfectly balanced and invigorating drink every time.
Step 1: Fill Your Glass with Ice
Begin by taking a tall highball glass. Fill it generously, all the way to the top, with plenty of cubed ice. Remember, more ice means a colder drink and slower dilution, keeping your highball crisp and delicious for longer!
Step 2: Add the Bourbon
Next, pour your favorite bourbon directly over the ice. There’s no need for fancy bar tools here – just a smooth, easy pour is all it takes to get started.
Step 3: Top with Ginger Beer
Slowly pour chilled ginger beer into the glass, filling it to the top. Watch as it fizzes beautifully, gently mingling with the bourbon to create a harmonious blend of flavors as it settles.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Complete your delightful drink with a fresh slice of lemon. This not only adds a vibrant visual appeal but also enhances the overall aroma and brightens the flavors, making it irresistibly inviting!
Step 5: Enjoy Immediately
Your perfect Bourbon Highball is now ready! Take a moment to appreciate its sparkling effervescence and inviting aroma before taking your first refreshing sip. This drink is best enjoyed fresh.
🥳 Batch Version for Entertaining (Serves 6)
Hosting a party or simply want to prepare drinks for a group with ease? The Bourbon Highball is perfectly suited for batch preparation, allowing you to spend less time mixing and more time enjoying your guests!
Batch Ingredients:
- 9 oz (270 ml) bourbon
- 18 oz (540 ml) chilled ginger beer
- 6 lemon slices, for garnish
- Plenty of cubed ice
Batch Instructions:
- Fill a large pitcher approximately halfway with fresh cubed ice.
- Carefully pour in the measured bourbon.
- Slowly add the chilled ginger beer, taking care to minimize fizz loss. Stir gently once or twice to combine the ingredients without overmixing.
- Just before serving, fill six individual highball glasses with fresh ice.
- Divide the cocktail mixture evenly among the glasses.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice for a beautiful presentation and added zest. Serve immediately and enjoy!
🍓 Substitutions & Creative Variations for Your Highball
While the classic Bourbon Highball is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile! Don’t hesitate to experiment with these simple substitutions and delightful variations to tailor the drink to your taste or what you have on hand.
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No Ginger Beer? Try Ginger Ale!
- If you find yourself without ginger beer, a good quality ginger ale is a perfectly acceptable substitute for a slightly different experience. It will yield a milder, sweeter version of the highball, lacking the intense spicy kick of ginger beer. However, it will still be wonderfully refreshing. To brighten the flavors and add a bit of tang, squeeze in a wedge of fresh lemon or lime. This is a great option for those who prefer a gentler ginger flavor.
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Craving a Spicier Sip?
- For those who love an extra layer of warmth and spice, there are several easy additions. Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters to your glass before pouring the bourbon; its complex spice notes will beautifully enhance the ginger. Alternatively, muddle a thin slice of fresh ginger at the bottom of your glass before adding ice for an even bolder, more natural ginger infusion. A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a subtle, intriguing heat!
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Elevate It to “Fancy”!
- Make your highball even more special with a creative garnish. A cinnamon stick stirrer isn’t just visually appealing; it slowly infuses a delicate, warming spice into your drink. A sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme offers an aromatic, herbal complexity that’s perfect for a seasonal touch. For a touch of fruitiness, consider adding a few muddled raspberries or a splash of cranberry juice for a festive color and flavor. Small touches can indeed create big, cozy, and luxurious vibes!
🍽 Essential Equipment for Crafting Your Highball
One of the best things about the Bourbon Highball is how little specialized equipment it requires. You likely already have most of what you need!
- Serving Glass: A tall highball glass is traditional, but any tall glass will do. Its height allows for ample ice and the perfect ratio of bourbon to ginger beer.
- Measuring Tools / Jigger: While you can eyeball it, a jigger ensures precise measurements, leading to a consistently delicious cocktail every time.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: Essential for preparing your lemon or orange garnishes safely and neatly.
🙋🏻 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Have more questions about the Bourbon Highball? Here are answers to some common queries to help you master this simple yet elegant drink.
A highball is a simple cocktail that consists of a spirit (like bourbon) and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer (like ginger beer), served over ice in a tall glass. The term is thought to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century, possibly referring to a train signal or a golf term, but universally means a tall, refreshing drink.
The primary difference lies in their flavor intensity and production. Ginger beer is brewed and fermented, resulting in a much spicier, more robust, and less sweet flavor profile. Ginger ale, on the other hand, is a carbonated soft drink that is typically milder, sweeter, and often made with ginger extract rather than fermented ginger. For a bold, zesty cocktail with a noticeable kick, ginger beer is definitely the way to go. If you prefer a lighter, sweeter drink with a hint of ginger, ginger ale will still work, but expect a gentler and less complex flavor.
Absolutely! It’s easy to adapt this recipe into a delicious mocktail. Simply swap the bourbon for a splash of apple juice, a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative (such as Kentucky 74), or even a touch of non-alcoholic bitters for complexity. Then, top it off with ginger beer just as you would the original recipe. The result is still wonderfully sparkly, warming, and perfect for fall or any time you want a sophisticated alcohol-free beverage.
For a Bourbon Highball, you generally want a bourbon that’s smooth, mellow, and not overly complex or expensive, as the ginger beer will be a dominant flavor. Look for bourbons with notes of vanilla, caramel, or a hint of fruit. Mid-range bourbons like Maker’s Mark, Bulleit, or Jim Beam are excellent choices. Avoid anything too smoky or intensely oaky unless you specifically enjoy those profiles mixed with ginger.
Other Delicious Recipes for You to Try
If you’ve enjoyed the simple elegance of the Bourbon Highball, you might love these other easy-to-make drinks and treats!
- Dark and Stormy Cocktail
- Apple Cider Moscow Mule
- Kraken Rum and Ginger Beer
- Bourbon Old Fashioned
- Fall in Love with these Soft Pumpkin Cookies
- Easy Apple Crisp Recipe without Oatmeal
- Rum Muffins
- Old-fashioned Maraschino Milk Cocktail
- Austrian Kaiserschmarrn {torn pancakes}
If you make this incredibly easy and delicious Bourbon Highball recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Please let me know how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback is truly awesome and helps others discover great recipes! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to get weekly delicious homemade recipes delivered straight to your inbox, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram. Don’t forget to share your creation with me by tagging @combinegoodflavors and using the hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I don’t miss it!
📖 Recipe Card: Classic Bourbon Highball
Bourbon Highball Recipe
By Nora
Pin Recipe
5 minutes
5 minutes
Alcoholic Beverage, Cocktails
American
1
Serving
146
kcal
Equipment
-
Serving Glass
-
Measuring Tools / Jigger
-
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
Ingredients
-
Cubed Ice
for the serving glass -
1
oz
Bourbon Whiskey -
Ginger beer
to top off. (One highball glass typically holds 8-12 oz / 240-350 ml) -
Lemon slice
for garnish
Instructions
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Fill a tall glass generously with Cubed Ice.Cubed Ice
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Pour in 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey over the ice.1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
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Top with chilled Ginger beer to fill the glass.Ginger beer
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Garnish with a fresh Lemon slice and serve immediately.Lemon slice
Notes
🎉 Hosting a party?
To serve six, use:
9 oz (270 ml) bourbon
18 oz (540 ml) ginger beer
6 lemon slices for garnish
Combine the bourbon and ginger beer in a large pitcher filled with ice. Stir gently and pour into six glasses with fresh ice. Garnish just before serving for the prettiest presentation.
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2 ingredient drink, bourbon, bourbon highball, ginger beer, whiskey cocktail, easy cocktail
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Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Calories: 146kcal |
Carbohydrates: 21g |
Sodium: 22mg |
Potassium: 3mg |
Sugar: 21g |
Calcium: 10mg |
Iron: 0.4mg
⛑️ Food Safety and Responsible Enjoyment
Ensuring food safety is paramount, especially when handling ingredients and preparing any recipe. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind for a safe and enjoyable culinary experience:
- Cook all foods to a minimum safe internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to eliminate harmful bacteria, where applicable.
- Always use separate utensils for cooked food and raw ingredients (especially raw meat) to prevent cross-contamination.
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling raw meat or poultry.
- Never leave perishable food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods (typically no more than two hours).
- Always remain attentive and never leave cooking food unattended, particularly on a stovetop or in an oven.
- When frying or high-heat cooking, use oils with a high smoke point to prevent the formation of harmful compounds and to avoid burning.
- Ensure you always have good ventilation when using a gas stove to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.
For more comprehensive and detailed information on safe food handling practices, please consult the Safe Food Handling guidelines from the FDA. Drink responsibly and enjoy!