The Highball is making a comeback. It’s easy to see why: In their many iterations, Highballs make for low-effort, refreshing drinks. While Highball has a number of accepted definitions, for the purposes of this article, we’re defining it as a cocktail that consists of a base spirit, mixed with a larger proportion of sparkling, non-alcoholic mixer, and possibly other ingredients.
While the classic Highball is made with whiskey, we find that gin serves as a versatile base spirit for summer-friendly recipes that taste great any season. These refreshing gin Highballs range from ultra-simple sippers requiring minimal ingredients, to more challenging recipes for more experienced home bartenders. Each consists of gin as a base, mixed with a larger proportion of sparkling, non-alcoholic mixer served over ice — plus playful ingredients you may not expect in this classic drink.
Of course, what really makes the drink is its namesake glass, so be sure to serve the cocktail in a Highball (or Collins) glass over ice. Looking for a new go-to cocktail to make at home? Read on for our nine favorite gin Highball recipe variations.
The Gin & Tonic Recipe
In case you didn’t know, the classic G&T is a Highball, and always a go-to. To make one, simply combine gin and tonic in a Highball glass, and add ice and a squeeze of lemon or lime, if desired.
The Tom Collins Recipe
This classic cocktail was developed in the late 19th century, but had a resurgence after its constant mention in the 2000 comedy “Meet the Parents.” If you want to drink like a tough father-in-law like Robert De Niro’s character in the film, combine gin, lemon, simple syrup, and soda in a Highball glass, and garnish with a lemon wheel.
The Oh, Honey Recipe
This cocktail, inspired by drag queen Trixie Mattel, is made with a satisfying combination of butterfly pea tea-infused gin, lemon juice, honey syrup, and elderflower tonic. This bright and refreshing libation made its debut at The Laureate at San Francisco’s Laurel Inn, and looks even prettier with an edible flower garnish.
The Breakfast Tonic Recipe
Looking for a new boozy brunch cocktail? We’ve got you covered. This Highball riff, created by the team at 100 Acres in Buffalo, N.Y., combines the classic G&T with tea, making it the morning drink you never knew you always wanted. To make one, place a tea bag in a Collins glass and fill with ice. Then, add gin and lemon juice — and top with tonic water.
The Turmeric Rickey Recipe
Turmeric adds an earthy quality to the Gin Rickey. Shake Von Humboldt’s Turmeric cordial with London dry gin and lime juice, pour into a Collins glass with ice, and top with club soda. A cucumber garnish complements this cocktail’s fresh vegetal flavors.
The Boozy Watermelon Lemonade Recipe
This cocktail is everything a summer sipper should be: Combine citrus-forward gin such as Plymouth or Aviation, ginger liqueur, lemon juice, rosemary simple syrup, and watermelon in a shaker. Strain, top with lemon soda, and voila! You have a balanced drink that’s pink enough to please even your most rosé-obsessed guests.
The Pineapple-Basil Highball Recipe
Basil season is upon us, and the leafy herb is an ideal summer cocktail ingredient. When combined with gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and lime sparkling water, the basil’s flavors and aromas shine through. Though this recipe is more complicated than the average Highball, the result is worth the extra effort.
The Navy-Strength Botanical Gin & Tonic Recipe
Take your G&T-inspired Highball to new heights with this herbal variation that combines navy-strength gin with tonic water, lemon, cracked black pepper, and thyme. The result is an earthy-yet-refreshing libation perfect for sipping on a boat. (We should be so lucky.)
The Ramos Gin Fizz Recipe
A workout and recipe in one, the Ramos Gin Fizz requires a lot of shaking — two to three minutes, to be exact — but the soufflé-like result is worth the effort. To make one, combine gin, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, orange flower water, cream, and egg white in a shaker. Dry shake for as long as you can handle. Strain into a tall glass, top with soda water, and enjoy!