Ah, the highball. A classic for a reason. With little more than a shot or two of spirit, some bubbles and a splash of citrus, this drink proves that simple doesn’t mean boring. Light, fizzy and endlessly adaptable, the highball has long been a go-to – virtually impossible to mess up and universally poured at bars around the world.

But as intuitive as it seems today, the highball wasn’t always a staple. It really came into its own in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the growing availability of ice and carbonated water unlocked new possibilities. Suddenly, Scotch and brandy weren’t just served neat – they were combined with the novel luxuries of sparkling water and ice, and a new kind of indulgence was born.

The highball’s story didn’t end in Western saloons and parlors, though. Its modern-day cult status can be attributed largely to Japan, where the Japanese highball – typically made with whiskey (often Suntory), soda water, and a twist of lemon or yuzu – rose to popularity in the 1960s and ’70s, particularly among salarymen unwinding after work. It became almost ritualistic: precisely poured, perfectly chilled and served with quiet flair.

The Japanese didn’t just perfect the whiskey highball – it reframed the format altogether. An emphasis on clarity, carbonation, and carefully considered glassware began influencing bartenders worldwide. Soon, gin, vodka, rum, and even amaro highballs emerged on stylish bar menus, treated with the same reverence once reserved for martinis and Manhattans.

And the name? Some say it comes from the tall glass the drink is traditionally served in, which is narrow enough to preserve bubbles and concentrate aroma. Others trace it to railway slang, where a “highball” signal – two short whistles and one long – meant “full speed ahead.” With two shots and a long pour of soda, the drink lives up to that name: an easygoing recipe that keeps the good times rolling.

Whatever version you’re sipping, here are timeless highball recipes to try at home – each a celebration of the drink’s simple brilliance.

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Whiskey Highball

The original and still the gold standard. With just whiskey, soda water and ice, this version is all about balance and restraint. It’s clean, crisp and subtly complex, especially when served in a chilled glass with a twist of lemon.

Recipe:

• 2 oz Japanese whisky (e.g. Suntory Toki)
• 6 oz chilled soda water
• Lemon or grapefruit twist

Directions: Chill the glass thoroughly. Add chilled whisky, stir once. Top with chilled soda water (3:1 ratio). Stir gently one more time, from the bottom up with a bar spoon. Garnish with a citrus twist. Quick tip: According to the Suntory’s website, the key to perfecting this drink is avoiding over-stirring, which can dull its signature fizz.

Enjoy it in… an Angle Bold Highball glass:With its clean lines and lightweight yet sturdy feel, our Angle Bold Highball wouldn’t look out of place in a chemistry lab – except here, the experiment is all about precise dilution and long-lasting bubbles. 

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Gin Rickey

Crisp, dry and utterly unfussy, the Gin Rickey is a classic that lets the botanicals shine. Just gin, lime, and soda – it’s pure refreshment stripped down to its essentials.

Recipe:

• 2 oz gin
• ½ oz fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
• Soda water to top
• Lime wedge

Directions: Fill your glass with ice. Squeeze in lime juice, add gin, and top with soda. Give it a quick stir and garnish with a lime wedge.

Enjoy it in… an Angle Taper Highball: With its sleek, tapered shape and subtly flared lip for easy sipping, this glass feels as crisp and pared-down, just like the Gin Rickey.

Gifting is about more than just giving – it’s a gesture of appreciation, of love, and a way to brighten someone’s day.  Still, finding the right gift can be tricky. The best ones are beautiful, useful, and personal – designed to blend seamlessly into daily life while creating lasting impressions.

That’s why tableware makes such timeless presents. Thoughtfully crafted pieces elevate the everyday, striking a balance between style and function. Whether it’s for Father’s Day, or simply just because, these hand-picked pieces from BOMSHBEE are designed to bring people together.

Bring the Outside in

It’s no secret that nature boosts our mood, enhances focus and brings a sense of calm. Embrace its soothing power with tableware crafted from organic textures like raw wood and clay. These materials add warmth and character to any space, celebrating sustainability, craftsmanship and the beauty of handmade imperfections.

How to gift it: Warm wood and smooth ceramic come together in the Eclipse Round Serving Platter, an elegant, yin-yang-inspired piece ideal for the host who loves beautiful serveware. It’s a stylish way to present snacks or sides while keeping everything neatly in place.

The Tinge Clay Pitcher in Grey, meanwhile, channels the grounding tones of natural stone. Its charcoal glaze and golden-brown handle reflect earthy hues in a design that’s both modern and serene. 

Play with Accent Pieces

Striking statement pieces do more than just decorate a home – they shape its entire aesthetic, infusing personality and style into a space. A well-chosen accent can add a pop of color, an intriguing texture or an unexpected design element, transforming everyday corners into something truly special. Vibrant hues, sculptural silhouettes, and distinctive finishes are the name of the game. Look for pieces that don’t just blend in but spark conversation and, ideally, a little admiration.

How to gift it: There’s no easier way to breathe life into an underused space – like a bare shelf or side table – than with a decorative vase. BOMSHBEE’s Flori Vase Collection checks all the boxes with a water-inspired texture and intriguing shades, like teal and smoke, that complement a wide range of interiors. Each vase is mouth-blown and swirled by skilled glass artisans, making every piece one of a kind. Bonus points if you gift it with a bouquet of fresh flowers.  

Create joyful moments

Studies show that people often feel more gratitude for gifts that bring lasting enjoyment – a concept known as the “smile-seeking hypothesis.” The idea is simple: meaningful rituals and shared experiences create deeper happiness than material things alone. Choose gifts that encourage connection and invite the recipient to slow down and savor the moment. Think of a tea set that turns a daily routine into a calming ritual or delicate cocktail glasses that elevate the evening unwind. The best gifts aren’t just objects – they’re experiences waiting to happen.

How to gift it: For the couple who cherishes their evening wind-down,  a beautifully crafted set of drinkware makes that moment feel even more special. Our Angle Bell DOF glasses, sold in a pair, are designed with whiskey lovers in mind – each featuring a tailored lip for the perfect sip and packaged in BOMSHBEE’s signature gift box.

If wine is more their style, the O Wine Glass set includes two fine-stemmed, mouth-blown glasses – perfect for crisp whites, fruity rosés, and bold reds.

It’s the little things

The smile-seeking hypothesis applies to interiors, too. Think cozy throw blankets, scented candles or a stylish container to keep everyday items beautifully contained. These thoughtful touches aren’t just functional – they bring a little extra joy into the daily routine.

How to gift it: For a touch of elegance that also protects against water stains, the Posh Coaster set is both practical and refined. Its marbled surface keeps wooden tables safe while looking effortlessly chic. Pair it with the Posh Glass Stopper – a crystal-clear, hand-blown accent that keeps wine fresh and adds instant polish to the bar cart.

For those who love an organized space, the Pleat Container is a multi-purpose porcelain storage jar with delicate pleat lines and a soft matte finish. Available in three sizes, it’s ideal for everything from kosher salt in the kitchen to hairpins and ties on a vanity.

Get a head start on gifting with BOMSHBEE’s elegantly crafted tableware and drinkware collections – you’re sure to find the perfect way to spoil loved ones.