How do the Japanese drink their whisky and what is a highball anyway?

As in many other things, the way the Japanese enjoy their whiskey is different from ours.

The first possibility to enjoy your whiskey like a Japanese is the one that is widely used in our country, pure. And if you want, you can add a dash of water. However, this species is far from being as common in Japan as it is in Europe.

Like Americans, the Japanese like to consume their whiskey "on the rocks" with ice cubes.

Another way a Japanese can enjoy his whiskey is to use it as a base for classic cocktails, such as Jim Collins. This method is more common and preferred by women.

The third method is the mixture to a "highball". This is also a cocktail as we understand it, but in Japan it is absolutely the most popular way to enjoy your whiskey. It is so popular that you can already mix it, buy it in cans, in the supermarket, in small shops like 7 Eleven and even from vending machines.

     

What is a typical Japanese highball?

First you take a glass and put into this large ice cube, preferably mineral water, then 1 part Japanese whiskey and finally 2 parts soda water. Now stir the whole thing with one turn and the classic Japanese "highball" is ready. There are other variations, e.g. with fruit juices, but the classic "highball" is still the most popular.

 

A few highball recipes for you:

 

The classic Japanese highball

1 glass, the shape is not important

Large ice cubes, preferably made from mineral water.

1 part Suntory whiskey, Nikka Clear, Eigashima White Oak Red but also any other Japanese whiskey is suitable.

2 parts soda water

Put the ice cubes in the glass, then add 1 part whiskey, stir to cool the whiskey and refill the glass with ice (if necessary). Finally add 2 parts of soda water.

Stir the whole thing with just one turn, done and enjoy the fresh, tingling experience of a highball!

 

Yukbari highball

1 long drink glass

Ice cubes, which are preferably made from mineral water

30 ml Nikka from the barrel

50 ml of fresh melon juice

15 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

soda water

Pour the whiskey, melons and lemon juice into the long drink glass, then fill the glass with the ice cubes and finally fill the whole thing up to the brim with the soda water.

 

Elderfower Highball

1 long drink glass

Ice cubes, which are preferably made from mineral water

40 ml Nikka Miyagiko Non Age Single Malt

20 ml elderflower syrup

20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice

soda water

Pour the whiskey, elder leaves and lemon juice into the long drink glass, then fill the glass with the ice cubes and finally fill the whole thing up to the brim with the soda water.

 

Mizuwari

1 chilled long drink glass

50ml Taketsuru 12 Years or Suntory Hibiki 12 Years

150 ml of mineral water

Pour the whiskey into the chilled long drink glass, fill up with the mineral water. and stir briefly once