1.
highball; whisky and soda
A cocktail of whisky diluted with soda water and served over ice, typically in a tall glass. In Japan, it became a major casual drink in the 2000s and is now standard at izakaya, restaurants, and convenience stores.
From English "highball." In Japan the term refers almost exclusively to whisky-and-soda; the broader English meaning of "any spirit served tall with a mixer" is rarely intended.
Common collocations
- ハイボールを頼む: to order a highball
- 濃いめのハイボール: a stronger highball
- レモンハイボール: lemon highball
- 缶ハイボール: canned highball (RTD)
Cultural note
Highballs declined in popularity in the late 20th century but were revived nationally by Suntory's promotional campaign for 角ハイ (Kakubin highball) starting around 2008. They are now a default casual order at izakaya alongside beer and chūhai.