Trying to figure out the best whisky drinks to order at a bar can be a little daunting when browsing the menu and being faced with a list of cocktails next to another section titled ‘highballs’.

It gets more confusing still given that all highballs are cocktails but not all cocktails are highballs. You can think of highballs as a subdivision of the cocktail drinks category.

To make sure you’ve got all the cocktail confidence you need next time you order at the bar, this guide is here to help clear things up. So, let’s do a showdown of highball vs cocktail.

A cocktail is a beverage that contains any alcohol mixed with other ingredients. Common alcohols used as the base for cocktails include vodka, gin, rum, and of course, whisky.

The alcohol can be mixed with carbonated soda, fruit juice, syrups, tea, cream and other alcohols, among other things, to create a drink that is visually appealing and tastes delicious.

There are thousands of possible cocktail combinations. These range from two-ingredient classics such as the Rusty Nail, Bellini and Martini, to more complex concoctions like the Vieux Carre or Ramos Gin Fizz.  

Cocktails are served in a variety of glasses from short and stout glasses and sophisticated rocks tumblers, to champagne flutes and larger Collins glasses. They often come garnished with things like fresh fruit, olives, herbs or edible flowers and can be served over ice.

Cocktails combine any type of alcohol and other ingredients. In contrast, highball cocktails are simple cocktails that typically consist of a single spirit and a carbonated mixer. A gin and tonic, rum and coke and scotch and soda are all great examples of a highball. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule as some highballs will use a non-carbonated mixer or also include a dash of syrup or fruit juice to add additional flavour and colour to the drink.

However, the type of ingredients isn’t the only thing that sets a highball apart from a cocktail. The ratio of ingredients also comes into play. In a highball, the mixer makes up a larger percentage of the beverage than the alcohol. This can also be true of some other cocktails but isn’t always the case, especially in cocktails that combine two or more different alcohols. This tends to make highballs quite light and refreshing – great for sipping on a hot summer’s day or during a lunchtime get-together with friends.

Highball cocktails are further characterised by how they are served. They come in a tall, slimline glass with a heavy base that can usually hold between 240ml and 350ml of liquid. Like with other cocktails, highballs are often served over ice and garnished for the perfect finishing touch.

Highball and lowball cocktails differ primarily in glass size. A highball cocktail is served in a tall, narrow glass, which typically holds between 240ml and 350ml whereas a lowball cocktail glass usually holds 175ml to 235ml.

Highballs are usually carbonated and are ideal for casual sipping over a longer period, making them popular for daytime or social settings. Examples include a whisky ginger highball and Coco Breeze cocktail.

Lowball cocktails are more spirit-forward, with a higher ratio of alcohol to mixers, if any mixers are used at all. This results in more robust and intense flavour profiles, making them suitable for slower sipping and savouring the drink’s complexity. Lowball cocktails are often enjoyed in the evening or as an after-dinner drink. Popular lowball cocktails include the Negroni and Whisky Sour.

A highball is a category of cocktail, distinguishable as a single alcohol combined with a larger amount of a single mixer served in a tall, narrow glass.

An Old Fashioned is a specific cocktail which is a mixture of whisky, bitters and sugar. It is a short and strong drink, served in an Old Fashioned glass.

There are so many classic cocktails you will have probably heard of such as the Pina Colada, Cosmopolitan and Margarita. However, at The Glenlivet, whisky cocktails are a firm favourite so here are some examples to inspire you: 

This cocktail is about as refreshing as they come, combining The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve with watermelon and a dash of sugar cane for additional sweetness. It’s easy to make and the perfect cocktail to make a batch of when you have people coming over.

With just two ingredients, this cocktail may seem simple, but the flavours created when 15 year old scotch and amaretto come together are anything but. Sweet almond notes dance with delicate spice for a short serve that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

Smooth and creamy The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve mixes with fresh apple juice and mint in this cocktail for an ideal summer serve. Make sure it’s enjoyed with lashings of ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for an extra menthol hit. 

Highballs may be constructed using only a couple of ingredients but that doesn’t mean they can’t exude elegance. These whisky highball cocktail examples are a testament to that:

Our take on a Mexican classic, this highball mixes smooth scotch whisky with a generous amount of tart but sweet grapefruit juice for a bold citrus burst. Simply shake all the ingredients together and strain into a highball glass filled with ice.

In this highball, elderflower syrup delivers a delicate sweetness while a dash of lemon juice offers a zesty contrast, and they are both backed by the bold taste of The Glenlivet. It’s then topped off with soda water for a tantalising fizz.

If you’re drawn toward sweet and fruity flavours, this highball is for you. Peach and oolong tea and a touch of vanilla work in harmony with the caramelised pear and toffee notes of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve.

There you have it, highball vs cocktail summed up with some examples as the cherry on top, much like you’d see in a Manhattan cocktail. To continue your exploration and understanding of cocktails, check out our pick of fun cocktails to make with friends and chocolate whisky drinks.