Ginger-Infused Bourbon Highball

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing twist on the classic highball with house-made ginger syrup balancing the bourbon's warmth and the soda's crispness. This recipe, ready in about 18 minutes, brings together bourbon whiskey, freshly grated ginger, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 3 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Simmer for 3 minutes until fragrant and slightly reduced, then strain into a jar and cool completely.
  2. Step 2: Fill a highball glass with ice cubes until 3/4 full, then pour 2 oz bourbon and 2 oz of the ginger syrup over the ice.
  3. Step 3: Top with 4 oz ginger ale and 2 oz soda water, gently stirring with a bar spoon until the flavors meld and the ice begins to melt slightly.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing the oils over the drink before placing it on the rim of the glass.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ginger-Infused Bourbon Highball take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (15 min prep + 3 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Ginger-Infused Bourbon Highball?

Refrigerate any leftover ginger-infused bourbon highball in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Infused Bourbon Highball?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ginger-Infused Bourbon Highball for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ginger-Infused Bourbon Highball?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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