Kaku Whisky Highball

Also known as the 'Kaku High,' this chilled highball beautifully brings out the inherent flavor and fullness of Japan’s first blended whisky.

Light and refreshing, this mixed drink is perfect for savoring the vibrant energy of Japanese summers and pairing with izakaya-style cuisine. Enjoy a crisp Kaku Highball cocktail at mealtime or anytime, ensuring that the glass, spirit, and soda are thoroughly chilled beforehand.

Easy
1-3 minutes
Intense

ingredients and how to craft

What you need

45 Kakubin Blended Whisky
3 premium soda water
Grapefruit slice or lemon peel

How to Serve

A glass of Toki Japanese Highball with ice

The highball is a refreshing whisky cocktail, and the secret is not to overstir it so it doesn't lose its fizz. Also recommended is a highball cocktail recipe without ice, which lets you savor the whisky's flavor and sweetness more fully.

Step 1

Fill a glass with ice and let chill

Step 2

Pour chilled whisky

Step 3

Stir

Step 4

Add chilled soda (3- 4 parts soda to 1 part whisky)

Step 5

Give a single stir from bottom to top with a bar spoon

Step 6

Add a twist of grapefruit or lemon citrus. Enjoy!

Complete your cocktail with

Elevate Your Cocktails with our Japanese Whiskies

Elegance and minimalism are two concepts deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It's no wonder, then, that a cocktail like the Whisky Highball is a clear favorite among Japanese people to savor the true essence of this spirit.

While Kakubin’s delicate, sweet flavors and honey aroma have evolved into a blend of citrus, fruit, and nutty notes, it remains the ideal Japanese whisky for classic cocktails. The Highball, in fact, was born from Kakubin itself — a serve crafted not to mask, but to reveal its subtle depth. Light, crisp, and effervescent, it remains the most iconic expression of Kakubin’s character.

As versatile as the culture that adores it, simply swap Kakubin for Toki to prepare an amazing Toki Highball. You may also try it with Hakushu 12 if you prefer a fruitier and smokier flavor; Chita Single Grain Whisky for a milder, smoother, and sweeter profile; or our Ao Blended World Whisky for a bold and distinctive fusion of whiskies from around the world.

Choose the flavor profile that best suits your palate to create a completely new experience and make this classic your own, transforming it into a Highball uniquely yours.

More serves you’ll love

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Serves

Neat

Drinking whisky neat lets you savor it at leisure, relishing the aroma like a true connoisseur as you sip it. You'll love the subtle flavor and pleasurable aftertaste.

Easy
1-3 minutes
Intense

Serves

On the Rocks

Simply add ice to whisky in your own dynamic style. The musical clink of the ice striking the glass with every sip is truly a delight.

Easy
1-3 minutes
Intense

Serves

Whisky And Water

The perfect companion when you're unwinding. Once you get the hang of it you'll make a delicious whisky and water every time. Leisurely enjoy in your favorite glass.

Easy
1-3 minutes
Intense

A glass of Whisky and Water with large ice cube

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Serving up Japanese hospitality

In Japanese culture, hospitality is more than a gesture—it’s a philosophy rooted in sincerity, generosity, and foresight. This way of living, known as Omotenashi, is a deeply ingrained tradition that reflects an unwavering commitment to understanding and fulfilling not only immediate needs but also those yet to be expressed. The result is a hospitality experience that is heartfelt and truly unforgettable.

At Suntory, we embrace this philosophy in everything we do. Beyond creating exceptional Japanese spirits to share with those closest to you, we aspire to be part of your most treasured moments, both now and in the years to come. Guided by this legacy, we continually refine our craft to bring you the finest whisky, Japanese gin, and Japanese vodka—ensuring every pour reflects the care, respect, and thoughtfulness at the core of our heritage.