Japanese Whisky Highball
The minimalist sensation that's taken over cocktail culture worldwide. Just two ingredients — whisky and soda — but the Japanese technique of precise ice, exact ratios, and gentle stirring transforms it into something transcendent. The trending embodiment of less-is-more cocktail philosophy. — Crafted by Blinner with Love
Ingredients
- 2 oz Japanese whisky
- 4 oz Chilled soda water
- lemon twist (garnish) garnish
Pairs With
Pair with Japanese appetizers like edamame, gyoza, or sashimi platters that won't compete with the whisky's clean, crisp profile. The drink's simplicity shines alongside light, umami-forward dishes.
Instructions
Fill a highball glass completely with ice
Stir the ice to chill the glass, then discard any meltwater
Pour whisky over the ice
Stir 13 times in one direction
Top with well-chilled soda water
Stir 3 more times very gently — do not over-stir
Express a lemon twist over the surface and discard
Tips
The Japanese technique calls for exactly 13 stirs after adding whisky and 3 after soda — this isn't superstition, it's precise dilution control Use the coldest possible soda water — colder liquid holds carbonation better Suntory Toki or Nikka Days are perfect affordable choices for highballs