COCKTAIL HOUR

Highball.

The highball, in its simplest form, is a base spirit topped with carbonated water; think gin and tonic, scotch and soda, or rum and Coke. Although the Brits lay claim to this fizzed tipple, its popularity in Japan is irrefutable.

While the whiskey highball remains most recognisable, any spirit can be used. Here, we’ve opted for shochu – a uniquely Japanese spirit typically distilled from rice, barley or sweet potato.

“Shochu is special in its own way, as it is often on par with premium vodkas and gins, without the price tag attached,” says Stuart Thompson, bar manager of Saké The Rocks.