Among all cocktail glass types, the highball glass is one of the most widely used and easily recognizable. Found in bars, restaurants, and home bars around the world, it is most often associated with tall, refreshing drinks filled with ice and a lively mixer.
While its design may appear simple, the purpose of a highball glass is very deliberate - it is crafted to preserve carbonation, maintain temperature, and deliver a perfectly balanced drinking experience.
Purpose of a Highball Glass (Quick Answer)
The purpose of a highball glass is to serve mixed drinks that combine a spirit with a non-alcoholic or carbonated mixer, keeping the drink cold, fizzy, and well-balanced from the first sip to the last.
This makes it ideal for long, refreshing cocktails rather than short, spirit-forward serves.
What Is a Highball Glass?
A highball glass is a tall, straight-sided cocktail glass typically used for drinks made with a base spirit and a mixer such as soda, tonic water, or cola.
It usually holds 8 to 14 ounces, providing enough space for ice, liquid, and garnish without overwhelming the drink.
Because of its versatility and clean design, the highball is often considered a classic cocktail glass and a staple in any glassware collection.
Why Is a Highball Glass Tall and Narrow?
The tall and narrow shape of a highball glass serves several functional purposes:
- Preserves carbonation by reducing surface area at the top
- Keeps drinks colder for longer
- Allows vertical stacking of ice, which chills evenly
- Controls dilution, preventing the drink from becoming watery too quickly
This design is especially effective for light, fizzy cocktails where balance and freshness are key.
Which Drinks Are Best Served in a Highball Glass?
Highball glasses are best suited for spirit-and-mixer cocktails that prioritise refreshment.
Common highball drinks include:
- Whisky and soda
- Gin and tonic
- Rum and cola
- Vodka soda
- Classic highball cocktails
A highball glass for whisky is particularly popular when whisky is served with soda or ginger ale, offering a lighter, more approachable drinking style.
How Does a Highball Glass Enhance the Drinking Experience?
A highball glass enhances the drinking experience in several ways:
- Keeps flavours crisp and layered
- Maintains carbonation throughout the drink
- Slows ice melt and dilution
- Showcases clarity, bubbles, and garnishes visually
The tall profile highlights citrus peels, herbs, and rising bubbles, making the drink feel both refreshing and refined. This balance makes highball glasses suitable for casual everyday drinks as well as social gatherings and entertaining.
Highball Glass vs Lowball (Rocks) Glass
Understanding the difference between a highball glass and a lowball glass helps ensure the right serve for each drink.
|
Feature |
Highball Glass |
Lowball (Rocks) Glass |
|
Height |
Tall |
Short |
|
Capacity |
8-14 oz |
6-10 oz |
|
Best For |
Mixed, fizzy drinks |
Neat spirits or minimal mixers |
|
Ice |
Multiple cubes |
One or two cubes |
While lowball glasses are ideal for neat pours and spirit-forward cocktails, highball glasses are designed for lengthened, refreshing drinks.
Why Do Bars Prefer Highball Glasses?
Bars frequently use highball glasses because they are:
- Practical and consistent in size
- Easy to handle during fast service
- Ideal for popular mixed drinks
- Efficient for ice, mixers, and garnishes
Their versatility and durability make them a staple behind the bar.
How to Choose the Right Highball Glass
When selecting a highball glass, look for:
- A stable, weighted base
- Enough thickness to withstand ice and regular use
- Clean lines or subtle textures for visual appeal
When paired with whisky tumblers or rocks glasses, a highball glass completes a well-rounded and functional glassware collection.
When Should You Use a Highball Glass?
Use a highball glass whenever:
- A drink includes ice and a mixer
- Carbonation needs to be preserved
- Refreshment and balance matter more than intensity
It is the go-to choice for long drinks designed to be enjoyed slowly and casually.
Types of Glassware Available at The Bar Collective
Beer Glasses | Cocktail Glasses | Champagne Glasses | Decanter & Carafes | Highball & Water Glasses | Shot Glasses | Unbreakable Glasses | Whisky Glasses | Wine Glasses | Cognac Glasses | Brandy Glasses | Gin Glasses | Mezcal Glasses | Martini Glass | Margarita Glasses
FAQs About Highball Glasses
1. What is a highball glass?
A highball glass is a tall, straight-sided glass used for mixed drinks that combine spirits with non-alcoholic or carbonated mixers.
2. What is the purpose of a highball glass?
The purpose of a highball glass is to keep mixed drinks cold, fizzy, and well-balanced while minimising dilution.
3. Why is a highball glass tall and narrow?
The tall shape helps preserve carbonation, slows dilution, and keeps the drink chilled for longer.
4. What drinks are served in a highball glass?
Drinks such as gin and tonic, whisky soda, rum and cola, and vodka soda are commonly served in highball glasses.
5. What is the difference between a highball glass and a lowball glass?
Highball glasses are tall and used for mixed drinks, while lowball glasses are short and best for neat or spirit-forward drinks.