English Highball
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English Highball

Elevate your spirits with the English Highball, a refreshing blend of brandy and gin, kissed by sweet vermouth and topped with bubbly carbonated water. This delightful concoction, finished with a twist of lemon peel, is the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon or a lively evening!

3 min
easy
highball glass

Ingredients

  • 3/4 oz Brandy
  • 3/4 oz Gin
  • 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
  • Carbonated water
  • Lemon peel
Garnish: Lemon peel

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pour brandy, gin, and sweet vermouth into a highball glass over ice cubes

  2. 2

    Fill with carbonated water

  3. 3

    Add the twist of lemon peel, stir, and serve

  4. 4

    (Ginger ale may be substituted for carbonated water, if preferred.)

Pro Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, try using a flavored carbonated water like lemon or lime. It adds a zesty twist that complements the lemon peel garnish perfectly!

The Story Behind the English Highball

The English Highball is a sophisticated twist on the classic highball cocktail, believed to have originated in the early 20th century. This drink combines the elegance of English spirits with the refreshing effervescence of carbonated water, making it a timeless choice for both casual and formal gatherings.

What Pairs Well

Food Pairings

  • 🍽️
    Fish and Chips

    The crispiness of fish and chips complements the refreshing and bubbly nature of the English Highball.

  • 🍽️
    Cheese Platter

    A variety of cheeses enhances the complex flavors of brandy and gin in this cocktail.

  • 🍽️
    Lemon Tart

    The citrusy notes of a lemon tart mirror the lemon peel garnish, creating a harmonious pairing.

Perfect For

  • Afternoon Tea Party

    The English Highball adds a spirited twist to a traditional afternoon tea gathering.

  • Garden Picnic

    Its refreshing taste makes it a perfect companion for a sunny day outdoors.

  • Book Club Meeting

    This sophisticated cocktail is a great conversation starter at any book club.

  • Celebrating a Promotion

    Raise a glass of English Highball to toast your success with style and elegance.

Fun Facts

  • The highball cocktail style originated in the late 19th century and was popularized in the United States and the United Kingdom.

  • The combination of brandy and gin in the English Highball is a nod to the rich history of English distillation.

  • Sweet vermouth, a key ingredient, is a fortified wine flavored with various botanicals, adding depth to the cocktail.

Make This Drink with Tom or Tina

Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!