Japanese Highball Recipe with Takamine Whiskey
The Japanese Highball is a refreshing, minimalist cocktail that highlights the purity of whiskey with just a touch of carbonation. Known for its lightness and balance, it has become a staple drink in Japan, enjoyed for both its simplicity and elegance. Here’s how you can make this classic cocktail at home.
Ingredients:
- Takamine Whiskey (1 part)
- Chilled soda water (2 to 4 parts, depending on preference)
- Large, clear ice cubes
How to Make a Japanese Highball:
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Fill the Glass:
- Start by filling a highball glass with large, clear ice cubes. The size and clarity of the ice are important, as they melt slower and help preserve the drink’s fizz.
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Add Whiskey:
- Pour 1 part Takamine Whiskey into the glass. This will be the foundation of your highball.
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Top with Soda Water:
- Slowly add 2 to 4 parts chilled soda water. For a stronger drink, use 2 parts soda; for a lighter, more refreshing sip, go with 4 parts.
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Gently Stir:
- Use a long-handled bar spoon to gently stir the cocktail. Stirring too vigorously can release the carbonation, so keep it slow and smooth.
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Cheers:
- Kanpai! Enjoy your perfect Japanese Highball.
The Highball’s Popularity in Japan:
The Japanese Highball has a long-standing tradition in Japan, where it gained widespread popularity in the 1950s as an easy-to-drink whiskey cocktail. The drink’s lightness made it a perfect companion to meals, and it has since become a go-to in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and homes alike. Its revival in the 2000s, led by whiskey brands, re-established the highball as a sophisticated yet approachable drink for modern whiskey lovers.
Watch the Bartender Make It:
Learn the art of crafting the Japanese Highball by watching our expert bartender in this video:
Why Takamine Whiskey is Perfect for a Japanese Highball:
Takamine Whiskey’s unique flavor profile, produced through its koji fermentation process, makes it an excellent choice for the Japanese Highball. Its smooth, slightly sweet notes pair beautifully with soda water, allowing the whiskey’s complexity to shine in this simple yet refined drink.
Enjoy your Japanese Highball with Takamine 8-Year Japanese Whiskey. Discover Takamine Whiskey here and elevate your cocktail experience!
