Brandy Highball – Brandy & Soda Classic Highball

The Brandy Highball lengthens brandy with cold carbonated water in a tall glass over ice. The soda softens the spirit without covering its fruit and oak character, while a lemon twist adds a bright aromatic finish. It is one of the simplest ways to turn brandy into a refreshing long drink.

Background

Highballs became widely popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as bartenders paired spirits with sparkling water in tall glasses. The Brandy Highball follows that classic structure directly: spirit, ice, soda, and a citrus garnish.

What You'll Need

Ingredients

• Brandy: supplies the fruit, oak, and warming spirit base.
• Carbonated Water: adds dilution, lift, and carbonation.

Cognac can replace brandy for a more refined grape-spirit profile. Apple brandy creates a fruitier variation.

Equipment

• Highball Glass
• Bar spoon
• Jigger
• Ice

Why the Long Build Works

Two ounces of brandy with six to eight ounces of soda keeps the drink dry and easy to sip while still leaving the spirit recognizable. The large soda volume lowers alcoholic intensity without adding sweetness.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use Cognac for a more polished brandy profile.
• Use apple brandy for an orchard-fruit variation.
• Replace some soda with ginger ale for a sweeter highball.
• Add one dash of aromatic bitters for extra spice.

Helpful Tips

• Use very cold soda water.
• Fill the glass generously with fresh ice.
• Add soda gently to preserve carbonation.
• Stir only once or twice.
• Express the lemon twist over the drink before garnishing.