Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and if there’s one piece of glassware you’ll use almost every shift behind the bar, it’s the humble highball glass.
It may not be as glamorous as a coupe glass or as iconic as a martini glass, but the highball glass is one of the hardest working glasses in hospitality.
From simple mixed drinks to refreshing cocktails, highball glasses are found in almost every bar, pub, club and restaurant around the world.
If you’re learning bartending, understanding when and how to use a highball glass is essential.
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
What Is A Highball Glass?
A highball glass is a tall, narrow glass designed for cocktails that contain a spirit and a larger volume of mixer.
Unlike a rocks glass, which is shorter and wider, a highball glass provides extra room for:
- Ice
- Mixers
- Carbonation
- Garnishes
Most highball glasses hold between:
- 240ml
- 350ml
although larger variations exist.
The tall design helps maintain carbonation and keeps drinks colder for longer.
Why Is It Called A Highball?
The term “highball” originally referred to a style of drink consisting of:
- A spirit
- A carbonated mixer
served over ice.
Examples include:
- Whisky and Soda
- Rum and Cola
- Vodka Soda
Over time, the name became associated with both the drink style and the glass used to serve it.
Today, highballs remain one of the most popular categories of drinks worldwide.
What Does A Highball Glass Look Like?
A traditional highball glass is:
- Tall
- Straight sided
- Narrow
- Cylindrical
Compared to other glasses, it offers a sleek and practical design.
The shape allows bartenders to:
- Build drinks directly in the glass
- Preserve carbonation
- Create attractive presentations
Many venues stock dozens or even hundreds of highball glasses due to their versatility.
Highball Glass vs Collins Glass
These two glasses are often confused.
While they look similar, there are subtle differences.
Highball Glass
Typically:
- 240ml to 350ml
- Slightly shorter
- Used for mixed drinks
Collins Glass
Typically:
- 350ml to 450ml
- Taller and narrower
- Used for Collins style cocktails
In many venues, the terms are used interchangeably.
For beginner bartenders, understanding the general difference is usually enough.
Why Bartenders Love Highball Glasses
There are several reasons highball glasses are so popular.
Easy To Use
Many highball drinks are built directly in the glass.
This speeds up service during busy periods.
Versatile
They work for:
- Cocktails
- Mixed drinks
- Soft drinks
- Mocktails
Great Presentation
The tall design showcases:
- Garnishes
- Colourful ingredients
- Layered drinks
Excellent For Carbonated Drinks
The narrow shape helps preserve bubbles longer than wider glasses.
Most Popular Highball Cocktails
Many classic cocktails are traditionally served in a highball glass.
Gin And Tonic
Ingredients:
- Gin
- Tonic Water
One of the most ordered drinks in Australia.
Vodka Soda
Ingredients:
- Vodka
- Soda Water
Simple, refreshing and extremely popular.
Dark And Stormy
Ingredients:
- Dark Rum
- Ginger Beer
A classic rum based highball.
Paloma
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Grapefruit Soda
One of Mexico’s most popular cocktails.
Whisky Highball
Ingredients:
- Whisky
- Soda Water
A staple in Japan and increasingly popular worldwide.
Mojito
Ingredients:
- White Rum
- Mint
- Lime
- Sugar
- Soda Water
The highball glass provides plenty of room for crushed ice and fresh mint.
What Drinks Shouldn’t Be Served In A Highball Glass?
Not every cocktail belongs in a highball.
Examples that are better suited elsewhere include:
Martini
Use:
- Martini glass
- Coupe glass
Old Fashioned
Use:
- Rocks glass
Manhattan
Use:
- Coupe glass
- Nick and Nora glass
Negroni
Typically served in:
- Rocks glass
Choosing the correct glass improves both presentation and the drinking experience.
How To Hold A Highball Glass Properly
When serving guests, hold the glass by:
- The lower portion
- The base
Avoid touching the rim where guests place their mouths.
This maintains hygiene and professionalism.
Common Highball Glass Sizes
Small Highball
240ml to 300ml
Ideal for:
- Spirit and mixer drinks
Standard Highball
300ml to 350ml
Most commonly used in bars.
Large Highball
350ml to 450ml
Popular for:
- Mocktails
- Collins cocktails
- Larger serves
Choosing Highball Glasses For Your Home Bar
If you’re building a home bar, highball glasses should be one of your first purchases.
Look for:
- Durable construction
- Thick base
- Dishwasher safe design
- Consistent sizing
A set of quality highball glasses can be used for hundreds of different drinks.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Overfilling The Glass
Always leave room for:
- Garnishes
- Carbonation
- Safe serving
Using Too Little Ice
More ice actually helps keep drinks colder longer.
Using The Wrong Glass
Presentation matters.
A Mojito served in a rocks glass simply doesn’t look right.
Ignoring Glass Chills
Cold glassware improves the drinking experience, particularly during Australian summers.
Essential Equipment For Highball Cocktails
Before we start mixing, make sure you have your cocktail kit ready to go. A proper shaker, jigger and strainer will make the process smoother and help you create a better balanced drink.
If you are still building your home bar, we recommend the Barillio cocktail kit here.
Now let’s shake up something great.
Essential tools include:
- Boston shaker
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Muddler
- Highball glasses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a highball glass used for?
A highball glass is used for cocktails and mixed drinks that contain a spirit and a larger volume of mixer.
How big is a highball glass?
Most hold between 240ml and 350ml.
What’s the difference between a highball and a Collins glass?
A Collins glass is generally taller and holds more liquid.
Can you serve soft drinks in a highball glass?
Yes. Many venues use highball glasses for soft drinks and mocktails.
What cocktail is most commonly served in a highball glass?
The Gin and Tonic is one of the most popular examples.
Final Thoughts
The highball glass may not receive the same attention as some other cocktail glasses, but it’s one of the most important pieces of glassware behind any bar.
Its versatility, practicality and ability to showcase refreshing cocktails make it a must have for both professional bartenders and home enthusiasts.
Master your glassware and you’ll instantly improve your cocktail presentation and overall bartending knowledge.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
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: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.