Bourbon Highball Cocktail Recipe and Serving Tips

The Easiest Fall Cocktail: Bourbon + Ginger Beer

Looking for a simple, elegant cocktail that’s effortless to make? The Bourbon Highball with Ginger Beer is a two-ingredient winner: smooth bourbon paired with lively, chilled ginger beer. It pours together in seconds, looks beautifully golden in the glass, and is perfect for cozy fall evenings, casual get-togethers, or a quiet moment at home.

Simple ingredients, big flavor — here’s how to make it.

This highball is a built drink: no shaker, no fuss. Fill a tall glass with plenty of cubed ice, pour in a measure of your favorite bourbon, top with chilled ginger beer, and finish with a lemon slice to lift the aroma. The result is crisp, refreshing, and pleasantly warming from the bourbon. I love how the amber color feels right for autumn.

🎥 Video

🥘 Ingredients

• Bourbon
  • Choose a smooth, mid-range bourbon with gentle vanilla or caramel notes. The ginger beer brings the spice, so you don’t need anything overly complex.
• Ginger beer
  • Use a flavorful, non-alcoholic ginger beer for bright, spicy bubbles. It’s the defining partner to the bourbon and gives the drink its sparkle.
• Cubed ice
  • Use lots of large cubed ice to keep the drink cold without diluting it too fast. Avoid crushed ice for this cocktail.
• Lemon slice (garnish)
  • A lemon slice adds brightness; an orange slice is a nice alternative if you prefer.

See the recipe card below for specific quantities and serving information.

🔪 Instructions

Step 1

Fill a tall highball glass with plenty of cubed ice to keep the drink chilled and crisp.

Step 2

Pour your measured bourbon over the ice—no shaker or stirring glass needed.

Step 3

Slowly top with chilled ginger beer so it fizzes and settles into the bourbon.

Step 4

Garnish with a lemon slice (or orange) and serve immediately while it’s bright and bubbly.

Notes

Serve immediately for best effervescence. If you prefer a slightly milder drink, reduce the bourbon a touch or use a milder ginger soda.

🥳 Batch version (Serves 6)

Ingredients

• 9 oz (270 ml) bourbon
• 18 oz (540 ml) chilled ginger beer
• 6 lemon slices, for garnish
• Cubed ice

Instructions

• Fill a large pitcher about halfway with cubed ice.
• Add the bourbon.
• Slowly pour in chilled ginger beer and stir gently—just enough to combine while keeping the fizz.
• Pour into six glasses filled with fresh ice and garnish each with a lemon slice before serving.

🍓 Substitutions & Variations

• No ginger beer?
  • Use ginger ale for a milder, sweeter version. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the drink.
• Want more spice?
  • Add a dash of Angostura bitters or drop in a thin slice of fresh ginger before pouring the bourbon for an aromatic lift.
• Seasonal garnish
  • Stir with a cinnamon stick or garnish with a sprig of rosemary for extra fall flair and aroma.

🍽 Equipment

• Highball or serving glass
• Measuring tool or jigger
• Sharp knife and cutting board for citrus

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Bourbon Highball Recipe

A simple, sparkling two-ingredient cocktail of bourbon and ginger beer, served over ice with a lemon slice. Ideal for fall afternoons or relaxed gatherings.

Prep Time:
5 mins

Total Time:
5 mins

Equipment

• Serving glass (highball)
• Measuring tool / jigger
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• Cubed ice (for the serving glass)
• 1 oz Bourbon whiskey
• Ginger beer, to top off (a highball glass holds ~240–350 ml)
• Lemon slice, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass with lots of cubed ice.
2. Pour in 1 oz bourbon.
3. Top with chilled ginger beer.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice and serve immediately.

Notes

Hosting a party?

To serve six: 9 oz (270 ml) bourbon and 18 oz (540 ml) ginger beer. Combine in a pitcher filled with ice, stir gently, and pour into glasses with fresh ice. Garnish just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Serving
|
Calories: 146 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 21 g

Calories:
146 kcal

Servings:
1 Serving

Author:
Nora

⛑️ Food Safety

• Wash hands, utensils, and work surfaces before preparing drinks.
• Use clean glasses, jars, cutting boards, and utensils.
• Keep raw eggs, raw flour, and unbaked dough or batter away from ready-to-eat items.
• Do not consume raw dough or batter that contains raw flour or raw eggs.
• Keep perishable ingredients chilled until ready to use.
• Do not leave perishable foods or drinks at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or 1 hour if the temperature is above 90 °F / 32 °C.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly in airtight containers.

For more on safe food handling, consult your local food-safety resources.