Build A Highball On A Budget: 5 Spirit And Mixer Pairings That Work

Whether you are an amateur mixologist or a home host trying to plan a gathering on a budget, highballs present themselves as interesting cocktail alternatives for a couple of reasons. One, these are drinks that require minimal ingredients: a spirit and a mixer, coupled with some ice. Two, these are among those no-fuss cocktails whose few ingredients can many times be brought together in a flavourful combination without burning a hole in your wallet.

So, while planning a party that adheres to a budget or even while sourcing ingredients to build your own mixology set-up at home, highballs can be interesting starting off points. They make for clever drinks, complete with interesting flavour profiles and a coming together of mid-range spirits and mixers that is adequately affordable.

Read on below to know more about some of these spirit and mixer pairings, which would work well to build a highball on a budget:

Whisky Soda

What is perhaps one of the most well-known whisky-forward drinks across Indian bartending spaces, the whisky soda is an interesting option for amateur mixologists concocting cocktails on a budget. The drink can be put together by blending a mid-range spirit, such as 30 ml of Johnnie Walker Red Label or any such whisky of choice with about 60 ml of club soda. A single serve of this whisky will be in the range of about Rs. 50 to Rs. 80, subject to local tariffs and state regulations. With the cost of soda factored in, this simple highball will fall well under budget as you build a pocket-friendly cocktail at home.

Rum And Ginger Ale

Quite unexpectedly, the caramelised notes of about 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other rum of choice come together with the mildly spicy flavours of 60 ml ginger ale in the making of a drink that is flavourfully layered. This fizzy highball comprising a single serve of rum costing in the range of Rs. 40 to Rs. 60, subject to local tariffs and state regulations, will become an affordable highball cocktail. The drink can be embellished withan  orange or lime wedge garnishes for a light acidic touch.

Also Read: From Chaas To A Classic Highball, Here Are 6 Drinks To Pair With Biryani

Vodka Lemon Pop

Bring together a mid-range but good quality vodka such as about 30 ml Smirnoff Triple Distilled Vodka or any other premium vodka of choice with 60 ml lemon-lime soda to craft a cocktail with a citrusy zest. The fresh and light drink is a mixture well-suited for serving at a home hosting event with a budget: it offers great taste and good quality at affordable pricing. A single serve of the vodka will be around Rs. 40 to Rs. 60, subject to local tariffs and state regulations. Coupled with the price of the lemon pop, one serve of the cocktail is sure to be under the Rs. 200 mark.

Gin And Tonic

If you want to go just a few levels higher in the order of premium spirits, head for 30 ml Tanqueray No. Ten Gin to prepare a classic highball. A single serve of the gin amounting to about Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 subject to local tariffs and state regulations, will adhere to your budget even as it lends a premium touch to the cocktail. Coupled with 60 ml tonic water and a herbal or savoury garnish the classic drink would make for balanced luxury within budget at your next house party.

Whisky Ginger

Finally, another cocktail which is quite popular for its combination of whisky’s slightly smoky nuances and ginger’s spicy effect, the whisky ginger becomes a suitable fit as a budget highball for a house party. Combine 30 ml Black And White Whisky or any such mid-range whisky of choice – whose single serve would cost in the range of Rs. 70 to Rs. 80, subject to local tariffs and state regulations – with about 50 ml fizzy ginger ale to craft this zesty, flavourful and pocket-friendly blend.

Disclaimer: A single serve amounts to 30 ml of spirit. The liquor prices mentioned above are indicative only and might change according to state regulations and local tariffs. The single serve prices are calculated based on an internet survey of retail prices alone.