Highball glass
GlasswareA highball glass is a tall, narrow tumbler for a spirit topped with a larger amount of mixer over ice.
Also called: hi-ball glass
- Size Difford's recommends
- 8 oz (235 ml)
- Capacity
- 8 to 12 oz (240 to 350 ml)
- Used for
- Spirit-and-mixer drinks over ice, such as the Gin and Tonic, the Whiskey Highball and the Cuba Libre
What highball glass means
The tall, narrow shape suits a drink with more mixer than spirit, so the spirit plays a supporting part. You will see this glass on menus for the Gin and Tonic, the Whiskey Highball and the Cuba Libre, which are all spirit-and-mixer drinks.
Difford's Guide recommends 8 oz (235 ml) for a highball glass, which is the size to aim for at home. Soda water, tonic water and ginger ale all fit this glass, so one glass works for all three. Each one goes in last, so the glass suits a drink that is built, not shaken.
Ice matters more here than in most glasses. The mixer goes in last and has to stay cold and fizzy until you drink it, so fill the glass before you begin. Skimp on the ice and the last sips turn flat and warm, so a full glass is the safer choice.
How to serve a drink in a highball glass
A highball is built with ice in the glass and the mixer added last, so the order of steps matters.
- 1.Fill the glass to the top with ice before you pour.
- 2.Pour the spirit over the ice first, then build the rest in the glass.
- 3.Top with chilled soda water, tonic or ginger ale, then stir once gently.
Highball glass compared
- Collins glassA Collins glass is taller and slimmer. This one is shorter and a little narrower.
- Rocks glassA rocks glass is short and wide, for spirit-forward drinks served over ice. Soda and tonic drinks belong in the taller glass instead.
- HighballThe highball is also the drink, a spirit topped with a larger amount of mixer over ice.
Related terms
Ingredients
Put it to use in your next drink
Garçon explains every step as you make the drink.