Highball Glass
Straight-sided glass designed for mixed drinks built with ice and topped with soda or other long mixers, prioritising balance, versatility, and ease of service.
Essential Equipment
Recommended for every home bar
Price Guide
Alternatives
Budget Alternative
Standard tumblers (£2–4) — serviceable, but often lack consistent dimensions.
Premium Option
Schott Zwiesel Paris Highball or Nude Club Highball (£20–30 per set) — durable, well-proportioned, designed for heavy use.
Care & Maintenance
Care Instructions
- Dishwasher safe on glassware cycle
- Dry immediately to prevent water spots
- Polish before service for clarity
- Store upright to protect rims
- Rotate stock to avoid uneven wear
Expected Lifespan
- •Premium glass: 3–5 years in professional service
- •Standard glass: 2–3 years
- •Budget glass: 12–18 months before rim wear
Pro Tip
For a whisky highball, chill the glass, fill completely with ice, add whisky first, then soda slowly down the side. The highball’s wider profile softens carbonation, creating a smoother, more integrated drink.
Usage
Long drinks where refreshment and simplicity matter more than precision or spectacle
What to Look For
- Straight sides — easier ice packing and stirring
- Capacity around 10–12oz — prevents over-dilution
- Comfortable weight — durable without feeling clumsy
- Smooth rim — repeated sips amplify flaws
- Clear glass — long drinks are visually judged
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Under-icing — leads to fast dilution
- Overfilling — removes space for carbonation
- Using tall narrow glasses — those are Collins
- Over-stirring — flattens the drink
- Treating all highballs as identical — proportions vary
Professional Tips
- Fill completely with fresh ice to slow dilution
- Add mixer gently to preserve carbonation
- Stir once from bottom to top — no more
- Choose simple garnishes; highballs reward restraint
- Replace chipped rims immediately — this glass sees constant use
Specifications
Material
Glass
Capacity
250–350ml
Details
Straight or slightly tapered sides, moderate height, thin-to-medium rim, flat or lightly weighted base
History & Context
The highball emerged in the late 19th century as ice and carbonated mixers became widely available. Its name refers not to the glass itself, but to the style of drink: a spirit paired with a non-alcoholic mixer, served tall and cold. Unlike the Collins glass, which specialises in citrus-driven cocktails, the highball is deliberately generalist. It trades precision for adaptability, making it the most commonly used glass in bars worldwide. When chosen and used correctly, it delivers clean, refreshing drinks with minimal fuss.