Aussie Twist On Refreshing Whisky And Green Tea Highball 18+

Make a classic whisky and green tea highball at home.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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Refreshing Whisky and Green Tea Highballl: The Simple Aussie Classic

Mixing whisky and green tea in a highball glass is an idea that’s found a real place in my own kitchen. I stumbled upon this drink when I was looking for something light, crisp, and refreshing without losing any depth. The combination offers a mellow touch of whisky with the subtle grassy notes of green tea, all topped up with ice and a little fizzy water for extra lift. This highball has become an easy go-to for relaxing with friends, barbecues, or unwinding after a long day during the warmer months in Australia.

Making a whisky and green tea highball works well for just about anyone. The recipe is no fuss and surprisingly flexible. Whether you’re a regular whisky drinker or just learning about Japanesestyle highballs, this is a straightforward and satisfying way to enjoy both whisky and green tea with a distinctly Aussie twist using local measurements and ingredients.

What Makes Whisky and Green Tea Highball Stand Out?

No special cocktail tools needed. I just grab a regular tall glass and a spoon or stirrer.
Light and easy to drink. The green tea smooths out the whisky and keeps it crisp.
Easy to adjust the strength. I can make this drink gentle or strong, depending on my mood or who I’m sharing it with.
Fun to customise. Adding a lime wedge, fresh mint, or a dash of soda water makes it super easy to make it mine.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything I use to make a classic whisky and green tea highball at home (Australian measurements):

45 mL whisky (any style works, but I usually use a decent blended or Japanese whisky)
90 mL chilled green tea (brewed strong and allowed to cool)
90 mL soda water (optional for a fizzier version)
Ice cubes (enough to fill a highball or tall glass)
Lime wedge or wheel (for garnish)
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for a refreshing touch)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Brew the Green Tea

I use good green tea (bags or loose leaf both work) and brew for about 4 minutes in water just below boiling. I let the tea cool down completely before using to avoid melting all the ice right away. Brewing it a little stronger than usual gives the highball more flavour.

2. Prepare the Glass

I fill a tall glass or highball glass all the way to the top with ice cubes. This keeps my drink really cold, which is super important for the best taste.

3. Add Whisky and Green Tea

I pour in 45 mL of whisky over the ice. Then I top it with 90 mL of cold green tea. If I want a lighter drink, I add an extra splash of green tea and a bit less whisky.

4. Optional: Add Soda Water

If I’m in the mood for something a bit fizzy, I pour in 90 mL of soda water. Sometimes, I’ll go half and half with the green tea and soda water for even more bubbles.

5. Stir Gently

Using a long spoon, I stir the drink just enough to mix without losing the bubbles. About five to six gentle turns work well.

6. Add Garnish and Enjoy

I finish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel on the rim and sometimes a sprig of mint to lift the aroma. Then I sip and enjoy straight away.

Tweaks and Tips For Your Whisky and Green Tea Highball

If you like a lighter cocktail, try a ratio of 30 mL whisky to 120 mL green tea.
Matcha can be used for a bolder, earthier flavour. Whisk it into cold water first, then add to your glass.
Swapping in local Australian whiskies gives the drink a real homegrown twist that’s fun to play around with.
Sparkling mineral water can be used instead of soda water for a more subtle fizz.
Try different teas, like jasmine or hojicha, for a unique spin when you want a change from plain green tea.
Freeze brewed green tea into ice cubes and use them for an even stronger tea flavour that won’t get watered down.
If you really want to step up the presentation, consider rimming the glass with a wedge of lime so the zest adds its aroma with every sip.
When serving a crowd, prep a big jug in advance to keep things simple. Pour the whisky and green tea over ice, give a gentle stir, and let each guest customise their glass with lime or mint.

Common Questions About Whisky and Green Tea Highball

Q: Can I use any type of whisky in this drink?
A: Yes. I often use whatever I have on hand. Japanese whisky is popular for its smoother profile, but Scotch, Irish, or Australian blends all work well. If the whisky has heavy smoke or big flavours, I sometimes use a little more green tea to help tone it down.

Q: What kind of green tea is best?
A: Most plain green teas suit this style. I like either Japanese sencha, Chinese green tea, or even supermarket green tea bags in a pinch. Stronger teas add depth, while lighter ones keep the drink more delicate.

Q: Can this be made alcoholfree?
A: Yes. I swap the whisky for a nonalcoholic whisky alternative or just go heavy on the green tea, adding soda water, lime, and a mint sprig. It’s light and refreshing, even without the booze.

Q: Does the green tea need to be cold?
A: Definitely. I chill the brewed tea before pouring it in, or make it ahead and store in the fridge. Hot tea melts the ice and makes the drink taste watered down.

Q: How do I store any leftover green tea?
A: I brew a batch in the morning, let it cool, and keep it in a sealed bottle in the fridge for up to 2 days. That way, it’s always ready for a quick highball after work or when friends come round.

Why I Love This Drink YearRound

I really enjoy the whisky and green tea highball for lots of occasions, not just in summer. The tea makes it feel fresh enough for warm evenings, especially during an Aussie barbecue, but there’s a comforting side from the whisky that works in cooler weather too. It’s also easy and affordable to make in big jugs for sharing without needing any tricky skills or tools. I keep the ingredients on hand so I can switch from a classic whisky highball to this green tea version with barely any fuss.

If you’re curious about easy whisky cocktails or want to add a new favourite to your list, this is a great first step. I find it a perfect change from standard sodas or lemonades, and it always seems to impress friends with how simple but tasty it is. Give it a try, make it your own, and see how whisky and green tea together can become part of your regular drinks lineup.

If you’re after another twist, try experimenting with flavoured green teas like ginger or coconut for extra dimension. No matter the season, the whisky and green tea highball stands out as a flexible, refreshing option to sip and enjoy.

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Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/

Refreshing Whisky and Green Tea Highball: The Simple Aussie Classic