Island Highball

The Island Highball is a bright and easy bourbon drink with a tropical twist. Fresh lime, orange, and pineapple juices bring a fruity kick, while a touch of grenadine and bitters adds color and depth. Served over ice and topped with a mint sprig, it’s smooth, chilled, and just a little playful great for summer afternoons, patio lounging, or anytime you want something light with character.

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Tasting Notes

The Island Highball bridges tropical flavor with a base of bold bourbon. Each sip begins with a burst of pineapple and orange, followed by the grounded character of whiskey. The lime juice sharpens the citrus edge, while a touch of grenadine adds mild fruitiness and visual warmth. Aromatic bitters lend subtle spice that rounds out the drink without overpowering the brighter elements. Served over pebble ice, this cocktail stays cool and balanced from start to finish. The result is both refreshing and layered, ideal for warm-weather sipping without being overly sweet or heavy.

Equipment and Glassware

For this Island Highball, a shaker tin and strainer are essential for blending the juices and spirits smoothly. A jigger helps measure each ingredient precisely, especially with the smaller amounts of grenadine and bitters. Use a bar spoon for the grenadine, and make sure your shaker is well-sealed for a vigorous mix. Strain the drink into a highball glass, which is perfect for tall drinks that showcase clear layers of flavor and ice. Pebble ice is preferred, as it chills quickly and melts slower, keeping the drink consistent without diluting it too fast.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz bourbon
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz orange juice
• 0.5 oz pineapple juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup
• 1 barspoon grenadine
• 1 dash aromatic bitters

Garnish:

• Mint sprig

Instructions

• Combine the bourbon, citrus juices, pineapple juice, simple syrup, grenadine, and bitters in a cocktail shaker.
• Add ice and shake until well chilled, about 10–15 seconds.
• Strain into a highball glass filled with pebble ice.
• Garnish with a sprig of mint.

Pro Tips

• Use freshly squeezed juices for brighter flavor
• Chill the highball glass before serving for better temperature control
• A bourbon with mild spice and vanilla notes pairs best with the fruit
• Pebble or crushed ice works better than cubes for this drink
• Shake vigorously to mix juices and bourbon evenly
• For visual contrast, pour grenadine after shaking and let it settle
• Lightly slap the mint before garnishing to release aroma
• If desired, float a thin orange slice under the mint for added visual appeal

When to Serve

The Island Highball is best suited for warm-weather occasions like backyard gatherings, beach parties, or outdoor dinners. Its cooling effect and blend of tropical flavors make it a natural fit for summer afternoons or early evenings. It’s also a great drink for bourbon fans who want something refreshing but still whiskey-based. Serve it as a casual welcome drink, during happy hour, or as a featured cocktail at seasonal events and celebrations where fruit-forward drinks are appreciated.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Bourbon:
  • Bulleit Bourbon
  • Maker’s Mark
  • Four Roses Yellow Label
  • Elijah Craig Small Batch
  • Wild Turkey 101
• Bitters:
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters
  • Fee Brothers Old Fashioned Bitters

Similar Cocktails

• Golden Bourbon Finch
• Pineapple Bourbon Honey Sour
• Bourbon Pineapple Slush
• Passion Fruit Bourbon Sour
• Tamarind Whiskey Sour