Highball Glass
Also known as: hi-ball, tall glass
Definition
A tall, narrow glass designed for long drinks that combine a spirit with a larger proportion of mixer, typically served over ice.
What Is a Highball Glass?
A highball glass is a tall, cylindrical tumbler designed for mixed drinks that combine a spirit with a larger volume of non-alcoholic mixer — soda water, tonic, ginger ale, juice, or cola. The standard highball holds 8 to 12 ounces, making it taller than a rocks glass but shorter than a Collins glass. Its straight or gently tapered sides maintain carbonation better than wider vessels and allow an attractive ratio of ice, spirit, and mixer.
The Name's Origin
The term "highball" comes from railroad signaling. A ball raised high on a post indicated the track was clear and the train could proceed at full speed — by analogy, a highball cocktail was a fast, simple drink. The term appears in American bar guides from the late 1890s, and the format — spirit over ice, topped with sparkling water or ginger ale — was one of the most popular styles of the early 20th century.
Highball vs. Collins Glass
These glasses are frequently used interchangeably. The Collins glass is taller with strict vertical sides; the highball is slightly shorter and may taper slightly. Use a highball for two-ingredient or three-ingredient drinks (gin and tonic, dark and stormy, whiskey soda). Use a Collins glass for drinks needing maximum volume or with muddled ingredients (Mojitos, Singapore Slings).
Classic Highball Cocktails
Gin and Tonic, Scotch and Soda (Whisky Highball), Rum and Cola (Cuba Libre), Vodka Soda, Dark 'n' Stormy, Paloma, and the Buck family all belong in a highball glass. The Japanese highball tradition has elevated this simple format into a refined art form.
FAQ
How much ice should I use? Fill the glass completely before adding any liquid. Full ice chills the drink and dilutes at a controlled, predictable rate.
What is the ideal spirit-to-mixer ratio? A standard ratio is 1 part spirit to 3–4 parts mixer, but this varies by drink and preference.
Reviewed & Verified by
Gayle Perreault
Bar & Service Manager · 25+ Years Industry Experience · About Jigger & Joy
💡 Pro Tips
- Fill completely with ice before adding any liquid — full ice slows dilution and maximizes chill
- Pour sparkling mixers slowly down the side of the glass to preserve carbonation
- Stir gently only once after adding mixer — vigorous stirring destroys carbonation
- Chill the glass in the freezer before building, especially for Japanese-style highballs
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Confusing with a Collins glass — highball glasses are slightly shorter and may have a taper
- Not filling with enough ice, resulting in a warm, rapidly diluting drink
- Over-stirring and flattening carbonation in the mixer
- Using warm or partially melted ice that dilutes the drink before building even begins
