📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Whisky
Alcohol 12%
Calories 150 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 6g
Prep time 3 minutes
Imagine you’re sitting outside on a warm day, and you want something cool to drink. A Green Tea Highball is a refreshing mix of flavors that’s fun to make and even better to sip. We’ll explore its history, taste, and how to make it just right, so join us as we dive into this delightful drink. ⬇️
History
The Green Tea Highball has its roots in Japan where highball culture is a big deal. It’s a modern twist on traditional whiskey highballs, using green tea as a mixer. This drink’s popularity has soared across the globe thanks to its refreshing taste and simple ingredients.
- The name “Highball” comes from the railroad signal meaning “full speed ahead,” which is fitting for this fast and easy-to-make drink.
- In Japan, highballs are often enjoyed during “Izakaya” dining, which is similar to going out for tapas.
- The green tea used is typically a nod to Japan’s rich tea heritage, adding a cultural layer to the cocktail.
The taste of a Green Tea Highball?
A Green Tea Highball tastes crisp and lightly sweet, with the earthiness of green tea shining through. Its bubbly nature makes it a playful drink that tickles your palate with every sip.
I personally love drinking Green Tea Highballs because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Interesting facts about Green Tea Highball
- Despite its simplicity, the Green Tea Highball can be made with various types of green tea, each offering a unique flavor profile.
- It’s a cocktail that’s as much about the experience as it is about the taste, often encouraging slow sipping and socializing.
- Green Tea Highballs have become a symbol of modern Japanese cocktail innovation, blending old traditions with new tastes.
Ingredients 📃
- Whiskey: 1 oz (30ml)
- Green tea, chilled: 4 oz (120ml)
- Simple syrup: 1/2 oz (15ml)
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 oz (7ml)
- Soda water: a splash
- Ice cubes: as needed
- Lemon zest or wheel: for garnish
Highball glass is the best type of glass to use when serving a Green Tea Highball because its tall shape showcases the drink’s clarity and effervescence. An alternative could be a Collins glass, which is also tall and ideal for bubbly beverages.
Recipe. How to make Green Tea Highball 🍹
- Fill a Highball glass with ice cubes to the brim.
- Pour 1 oz (30ml) of whiskey over the ice.
- Add 1/2 oz (15ml) of simple syrup and 1/4 oz (7ml) fresh lemon juice.
- Top the glass with 4 oz (120ml) of chilled green tea and a splash of soda water.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon zest or a lemon wheel.
- Stir gently before serving to combine the flavors.
Green Tea Highballs are light on calories compared to other cocktails, but watch for the sugar in the syrup! To make it healthier, try using honey or agave as a natural sweetener. Plus, green tea is packed with antioxidants, which is a nice bonus.
Food Pairings
Some foods just make a Green Tea Highball taste even better. Here are some pairings that enhance the cocktail’s unique flavors:
Sushi
The delicate flavors of sushi perfectly complement the earthy tones of a Green Tea Highball. The drink’s subtle sweetness can also balance the umami taste in soy sauce.
Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken, especially with a hint of lemon or herbs, goes wonderfully with the refreshing character of this highball. The cocktail’s effervescence cuts through the richness of the meat.
Vegetable Tempura
The light, bubbly nature of a Green Tea Highball pairs nicely with the crispiness of vegetable tempura. It’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
I find the balance of whiskey and the gentle caress of green tea in a Highball simply enchanting.
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Bartender Advice
- Use freshly brewed green tea and chill it before mixing to preserve its vibrant flavor.
- Experiment with different types of whiskey to find the one that best suits your taste for the cocktail.
- Always garnish your Highball—it adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra flavor.
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Green Tea Highball, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.
What you could change in Green Tea Highball
- Green tea: Can be swapped for jasmine tea for a floral twist.
- Whiskey: Try a different whiskey to change the depth and smoke of the drink.
- Sweetener: Feel free to use honey or maple syrup instead of simple syrup.
Green Tea Highball Variations
Matcha Mint Highball
- Ingredients: Use matcha powder and fresh mint leaves.
- Recipe: Whisk matcha with hot water before chilling and follow the basic recipe, muddling mint with the syrup.
Earl Grey Highball
- Ingredients: Substitute green tea with chilled Earl Grey tea.
- Recipe: Infuse the tea with a slice of lemon while it cools, then mix as usual.
Spicy Green Tea Highball
- Ingredients: Add a slice of fresh ginger and a dash of hot sauce.
- Recipe: Muddle ginger with the syrup before following the standard recipe, and top with hot sauce.
To make a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the whiskey and add more green tea and soda water. Garnish with lemon just as you would for the original.
Q&A
Can I use any type of green tea?
Absolutely! Each variety will give the cocktail a distinct flavor, so feel free to explore.
Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, just leave out the whiskey for a refreshing mocktail that still has plenty of character.
What’s the best whiskey to use?
That’s a matter of taste! A lighter whiskey usually blends well with the green tea’s subtlety.
Can I make this in a big batch for a party?
Sure, just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests – but add the soda water last to keep the fizz.
How can I make the drink sweeter?
More simple syrup will do the trick, or try a natural sweetener like honey.
Any tips for the perfect garnish?
A lemon twist is classic, but an edible flower could add a touch of whimsy to your glass.
