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How to Make a DIY Highball Cocktail Station

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 2 min read

The goal behind a DIY highball station is to encourage a unique party atmosphere while avoiding the all-out chaos that many haphazardly assembled beverage situations can turn into. By preparing a simple three-ingredient cocktail, along with an assortment of garnishes and carbonated mixers, you’ve got the makings of a highball party starter where each of your guests gets to play amateur mixologist and concoct an assortment of drink recipes.

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What Is a Highball Cocktail?

The highball cocktail is a simple, refreshing drink consisting of a base spirit lengthened (diluted) with a non-alcoholic mixer and served in a tall glass. (A typical highball glass holds eight to twelve ounces, coming in slightly smaller than a Collins glass.) With just two main ingredients, the highball is the perfect format for a DIY drink station, where guests can add their own mix-ins.

Examples of classic highball cocktails include whiskey highballs such as the Scotch and soda (Scotch whisky and soda water served in an Old Fashioned glass) and the Japanese highball (Japanese whisky and sparkling water, garnished with a fresh lemon expression). Mexico’s favorite highball is the Paloma, made from tequila and grapefruit soda. Whatever the base spirit, the perfect highball has just the right amount of fizz and typically doesn't include sweeteners like simple syrup or agave; instead, the flavor comes from a high-quality base spirit and soda (or fresh lemon- or limeade).

What Ingredients Do You Need to Set Up a DIY Highball Station?

The combination of a lightly aged base spirit and a fortified wine works to provide a base that isn’t too boozy and lends itself to the lengthening effects of a carbonated mixer. Feel free to experiment with different spirit and fortified wine combinations, but keep in mind that your base mix should complement whatever mixers and garnish you’ve chosen for the occasion.

Here’s what you’ll need to make 13 drinks.

Base mix:

  • 500 ml (20oz) reposado tequila
  • 150ml (6oz) Lillet Blanc
  • 5ml (0.2oz) Angostura bitters

Mixers:

  • Club soda
  • Tonic water
  • Ginger beer
  • Ginger ale
  • Fresh-made lemonade
  • Freshly squeezed citrus, like lemon juice or lime juice

Garnish ideas:

  • Fresh fruit such as Lemon slices, lime wedges, grapefruit wedges, blood orange slices, fresh strawberries, fresh blackberries, raspberries
  • Fresh herbs such as Thai basil, thyme, mint, rosemary

How to Set Up a DIY Highball Station in 3 Steps

Once you’ve assembled your highball ingredients, you’re ready to make the base mix and assemble the mixers and garnishes for your guests.

  1. 1. Make the base mix: Combine the tequila, Lillet Blanc, and Angostura Bitters in a decanter. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  2. 2. Before serving, cut all of the garnishes and display them on a plate or tray. Keep all of the carbonated mixers in an ice bucket so that they’re easy to reach but stay cold throughout your party.
  3. 3. To serve, pour 50ml (2 oz.) of the base mix into a highball glass. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Add the mixer of your choice, and garnish with a mix of herbs, citrus, and/or fruit.

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Learn more about mixology from award-winning bartenders. Refine your palate, explore the world of spirits, and shake up the perfect cocktail for your next gathering with the MasterClass Annual Membership.