Highball Glass

A tall, narrow glass designed for long drinks that combine a spirit with a larger proportion of mixer, typically served over ice.

Highball glasses typically hold 8-12 oz and are taller than rocks glasses but shorter than Collins glasses. The narrow profile maintains carbonation better than wider glasses and creates an attractive presentation with plenty of room for ice and mixer. Classic highball drinks include the Whiskey Highball, Gin and Tonic, and Dark 'n' Stormy. The name comes from the railroad signal indicating a clear track ahead.

💡 Pro Tips

• Fill with ice before adding ingredients
• Pour mixer slowly to preserve carbonation
• Use Collins glasses for drinks needing more volume

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing with Collins glasses (which are taller)
• Not using enough ice
• Stirring carbonated drinks too vigorously

📚 Related Terms

Build

A cocktail preparation method where all ingredients are combined directly in the serving glass, typically over ice, without shaking or stirring separately.

Collins Glass

A tall, narrow, cylindrical glass larger than a highball, designed for long drinks like the Tom Collins and other refreshing cocktails with significant mixer volume.