📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 14%
Calories 150 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 10g
Prep time 2 minutes
Imagine you’re at a party, and you want to sip on something cool and classy. That’s when an English Highball comes in handy! It’s a fizzy, lightly boozy drink with a story to tell, and we’ll dive into its history, flavors, and how to make one right at home. Ready to become an English Highball expert? Let’s go! ⬇️
History
The English Highball is a refreshing cocktail that comes from England. It gained popularity in the 19th century and was a hit among the British upper class. This drink has stood the test of time and remains a favorite for its simplicity and elegance.
- The English Highball was first mixed in the British pubs.
- Its name is derived from the ‘high’ glasses and the ‘ball’ action of the bubbles.
- It became known as a symbol of leisure during the Victorian era.
The taste of an English Highball?
An English Highball tastes like a fizzy burst of summer in a glass. It’s a blend of sweet, sour, and a bit of strong fizz, all dancing together to delight your taste buds.
I love English Highballs for their crisp fizziness that makes each sip feel like a celebration.
Interesting facts about English Highball
- The English Highball was a favorite of famed author Charles Dickens.
- It inspired the creation of many other highball variations around the world.
- This cocktail is often served during traditional English cricket matches.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz (60ml)
- Fresh lemon juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Sugar syrup: 0.5 oz (15ml)
- Carbonated water: to top up
- Ice cubes: as needed
- Lemon slice: for garnish
Highball glass is the best to use when serving an English Highball because its tall shape showcases the bubbling carbonation. Collins glass can also be a great alternative, offering a similar visual appeal.
Recipe. How to make English Highball
- Add 2 oz (60ml) of gin to the highball glass filled with ice.
- Pour in 0.5 oz (15ml) of fresh lemon juice and 0.5 oz (15ml) of sugar syrup.
- Top up with carbonated water and stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and enjoy immediately.
An English Highball has a good balance of sweetness and alcohol, but it’s still smart to enjoy it in moderation. To make it healthier, you can use natural sweeteners like honey instead of sugar syrup, and remember, the gin can be a bit strong, so sip slowly!
Food Pairings
Certain foods have the magical ability to enhance the flavors in an English Highball, making the experience even more delightful. Here are some pairings that are simply meant to be:
Roasted Nuts
The saltiness and crunchiness of roasted nuts create a perfect contrast with the smooth, fizzy English Highball, making each sip a new discovery.
Fish and Chips
The classic English dish, fish and chips, with its crispy batter and tender fish, complements the light and refreshing nature of an English Highball.
Spicy Asian Cuisine
The highball’s effervescence cuts through the spice and richness of Asian dishes, cleansing the palate and enhancing the flavors.
I really enjoy English Highballs because they’re so bubbly and light—a perfect drink for laughing and chatting with friends.
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Bartender Advice
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink extra cool.
- Use quality gin for a smoother tasting cocktail.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste, but remember, balance is key!
Now that you’ve mastered the classic English Highball, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in English Highball
- Gin: Substitute with vodka for a different kick.
- Sugar syrup: Experiment with flavored syrups like elderflower for a twist.
- Carbonated water: Use tonic water for a quinine twist.
English Highball Variations
Floral Highball
- Ingredients: Include rose water with the traditional ingredients.
- Recipe: Add a splash of rose water before topping up with carbonated water.
Herbal Highball
- Ingredients: Fresh basil leaves and cucumber slices.
- Recipe: Muddle basil and cucumber with lemon juice before adding gin.
Spiced Highball
- Ingredients: A cinnamon stick and orange peel.
- Recipe: Stir in a cinnamon stick and garnish with orange peel.
For a non-alcoholic “Virgin English Highball,” simply skip the gin and mix lemon juice with sugar syrup, then top up with soda water. Garnish with a lemon slice for that classic look!
Q&A
Can I make a big batch of English Highball for a party?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Pre-mix everything but the soda water, and add it just before serving to keep the fizz.
How important is the type of gin I use?
The gin can make or break your English Highball. A smoother gin equals a more refined drink, but feel free to experiment with different brands to find your favorite.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for that zesty tang, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice can work—just watch out for added sugars.
What’s the best way to sweeten an English Highball without sugar syrup?
Try agave nectar or a splash of pure maple syrup for a natural alternative. They blend well and bring their own unique flavors.
Are there any non-carbonated versions of the English Highball?
Traditionally, no. The fizz is a defining feature of the highball, but for a still version, just leave out the carbonated water.
How should I serve an English Highball during winter?
Warm it up by serving it with warm ginger ale instead of carbonated water, and add a cinnamon stick for a cozy twist.
