The Revival Highball
The Highball has always evolved alongside the mixers available to us. Today, a new generation of premium natural energy drinks and sparkling functional soft drinks offers another way to enjoy whisky – long, cold and refreshingly different. The Revival embraces that spirit of experimentation without ever losing sight of what matters most: the whisky.
Whether you choose Purdey’s Apple & Grape, Tenzing Original or another premium sparkling natural energy drink, the result is a Highball that’s vibrant, lightly sparkling and packed with natural fruit and herbal character.
The original Highball challenged convention by proving whisky could be enjoyed with more than just a splash of water.
More than a century later, premium botanical sparkling drinks have opened another chapter. Rather than relying on excessive sweetness, these drinks use real fruit juices, botanicals and natural flavours that often mirror notes already found within whisky.
Ingredients:
50ml whisky
150ml Purdey’s Apple & Grape (or similar premium botanical sparkling drink such as Tenzing Original)
Large ice cubes
Fresh mint sprig
Thin lemon wheel (or lime twist)
Preparation:
Fill a chilled Highball glass completely with large ice cubes.
Add the whisky before slowly topping with the chilled mixer.
Stir gently once or twice.
Finish with a fresh mint sprig and thin lemon wheel, or a lime twist if preferred.
Hardware:
Glassware:
Highball glassTools:
Jigger or measuring cup
Bar spoon
Flavour Profile & Experience
Apple, grape, citrus and botanical flavours combine naturally with whisky’s vanilla, orchard fruit and gentle spice. The carbonation keeps the drink lively whilst fresh mint adds an aromatic finish.
Variations & Modern Twists
Try Tenzing Original for a brighter citrus-led version. Use a lime twist in place of lemon for additional freshness. A splash of soda water creates an even lighter Highball.
Fruit-forward whiskies with notes of vanilla, citrus, orchard fruit and gentle spice are ideal. The whisky should complement the botanical mixer rather than compete with it.
The Revival isn't about hiding whisky. It's about discovering another way to enjoy it.
🥃 Summerton Recommends
Glasgow 1770 Limited Edition Club Bottle 2021 Exclusive
This exclusive Glasgow 1770 bottling combines sweet smoke, vanilla, orchard fruit and warming spice in a whisky that stands up beautifully to modern botanical sparkling mixers such as Purdey’s and Tenzing. The result is fresh, vibrant and unmistakably whisky-led.
View BottleChoose a mixer with restrained sweetness and plenty of natural fruit and botanical character. The aim is to enhance the whisky, not overwhelm it.
Ideal with burgers, grilled chicken, barbecue food, wraps and summer sharing platters.
With Thanks
The #SummertonHighballRevival was created to showcase just how versatile whisky can be, and we’d like to extend our sincere thanks to two companies who helped bring this project to life.
Double Dutch Drinks
A great Highball deserves a great mixer. Double Dutch kindly supplied a selection of their premium tonics, sodas and mixers for our photoshoot, allowing us to explore flavour pairings that complement, rather than overpower, the whisky. Their range demonstrates just how much difference a thoughtfully crafted mixer can make to a Highball.
Glencairn Crystal
Beautiful drinks deserve beautiful glassware. Glencairn generously supplied a selection of their stunning Highball glasses for the campaign, including the Edinburgh and Jura collections. Their expertly crafted crystal allowed every serve to be presented exactly as it should be—elegant, timeless and made to be enjoyed.
Explore more recipes in the #SummertonHighballRevival and discover just how refreshing whisky can be.
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