Brandy Highball Cocktail – Effortless Brandy and Soda Classic
A timeless two-ingredient refresher.
The Brandy Highball Cocktail pairs smooth brandy with sparkling soda and a bright lemon twist for an easy, elegant drink that never goes out of style.
The Story Behind This Highball
Simple, balanced, and quietly sophisticated—the Brandy Highball has been a favorite since bartenders first began pairing spirits with bubbles in the late 1800s. It’s proof that restraint can taste luxurious.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Brandy – the rich, fruity backbone of the drink.
- Carbonated Water – adds lift and refreshment.
- Lemon Twist – brings aroma and brightness.
Equipment Highball glass · Bar spoon · Ice cubes.
Why It Works
The brandy’s warmth meets the crisp sparkle of soda, creating a drink that feels light but still substantial. The lemon oils tie everything together for a quietly complex finish.
Variations & Substitutions
- Try cognac for added depth or apple brandy for a fruitier spin.
- Swap soda for tonic or ginger ale if you want more flavor.
- Add a dash of bitters for subtle spice.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, cold soda water—flat bubbles dull the drink.
- Build directly in the glass to preserve carbonation.
- For extra aroma, express the lemon twist over the top before dropping it in.
Brandy Highball Recipe
Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz.
- 6-8 oz.
Directions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the brandy.
- Top with chilled carbonated water.
- Gently stir once or twice to combine.
- Garnish with a lemon twist.
Raise a tall, chilled glass to the Brandy Highball—a classic that proves elegance needs only two ingredients.
