You love highballs for their simplicity—but why not give yours a smart, modern twist? This green tea version keeps things cool, calm, and seriously sippable.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools to make a Green Tea Highball. A tall glass works best and lets the bubbles shine. Use a jigger or shot glass to measure the spirits and tea exactly.
A bar spoon helps stir gently without losing carbonation. An ice tray is essential because the cocktail tastes best over lots of ice. If you want a refined touch, a muddler or zester for garnish is optional.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Tall glass | Mixing and serving |
| Jigger | Measuring ingredients |
| Bar spoon | Stirring and mixing |
| Ice tray | Chilling and dilution |
| Muddler/zester (optional) | Garnishing |
Keep everything cold for best results. Pre-chill your glass and soda for extra freshness.
Ingredients
The Green Tea Highball uses simple ingredients that come together for a refreshing flavor. Standard servings work for most glasses, but you can adjust based on strength and sweetness preference.
- 2 oz Japanese whisky (or mugi shochu if you prefer less sweetness)
- 2 oz brewed green tea, cooled (sencha or matcha are common)
- 3-4 oz chilled club soda
- Ice cubes
- Garnish: lemon peel, shiso leaf, or maple leaf candy (optional)
Use quality spirits and fresh green tea. Club soda should be well carbonated. Adjust tea strength to taste. Sweeter tea adds more aroma while roasted or barley notes add a mellow base.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to build your Green Tea Highball. Stick to the order for best texture and layers.
- Fill a tall glass with ice to the top.
- Add 2 oz whisky or shochu over the ice.
- Slowly pour in 2 oz cooled green tea.
- Top gently with 3-4 oz chilled club soda.
- Stir very briefly and gently with a spoon to mix.
- Garnish with lemon peel, shiso leaf, or a small candy if desired.
Mix carefully to keep carbonation. Serve immediately to capture all the fizz.
Tasting Notes
The Green Tea Highball has a balanced taste. You get the robust kick of whisky or the softer edge of shochu. The green tea adds earthy, grassy, or even floral notes depending on the variety used.
Club soda lightens the drink, making it crisp and refreshing. If you use matcha, the drink feels smoother and slightly creamy. Sencha gives a sharper, brighter green tea flavor with subtle bitterness.
Try different teas and spirits for unique profiles. Aromatic garnishes add subtle complexity with each sip.
Quick Pro Tips
Use fresh or recently brewed green tea for the best aroma. Make sure ingredients are fully chilled before mixing. This keeps the drink light and fizzy.
Don’t over-stir. You want to mix gently to avoid flattening the soda. If you use matcha, whisk it first with cold water to prevent clumping before adding to the glass.
Quality ice makes a difference. Use larger cubes for slow dilution. Experiment by switching out the whisky for shochu if you want a lighter, almost neutral base.
When to Serve
The Green Tea Highball is a versatile drink for many occasions. Serve it at dinner parties, especially with Japanese or Asian dishes. It fits well with light bites like sushi or grilled skewers.
This cocktail works on sunny afternoons or as an aperitif before meals. It’s also a popular choice for casual gatherings because it’s easy to mix and not too strong.
Bring it out for any relaxed social event where you want a drink that’s refreshing and not overpowering. Adjust garnishes to suit the season or your guests’ tastes.
