Highball Glass Recommendations — The Right Glass for Summer Whisky

A highball is whisky and sparkling water — but much of its flavour is determined by the glass. The glass you use affects how long the carbonation lasts, the drink's temperature, and how the aroma reaches your nose.

Japan has known this for a long time. When Suntory revived highball culture in the late 1990s, the choice of glass was central to the campaign. A glass that stays cold for a long time, a shape that preserves carbonation — the standardised highball glass of Japanese bars and izakayas was established at this point. Drawing on Whisky Advocate, Imbibe Magazine, and Japanese bar industry standards, here is a guide to the best glasses for highballs.

The Physics of a Highball Glass

Understanding the physical principles of glass shape makes selection much easier.

Carbonation retention — Carbonation escapes faster the larger the surface area of the drink exposed to air. A tall, narrow glass retains carbonation far longer than a short, wide one. The same amount of sparkling water can stay bubbly 30–50% longer depending on the glass diameter.

Temperature retention — The rate at which ice melts depends on glass thickness and ambient temperature. Thicker glass insulates against outside heat. Thin crystal transmits flavour well but is poor for temperature retention. A highball benefits from a glass with reasonable wall thickness.

Aroma delivery — A tall, narrow glass channels the aromas of whisky and sparkling water upward. The moment you raise the glass, aroma reaches your nose first. This is the structural reason a highball glass preserves the flavour of the whisky.

Recommendation 1 — Toyo-Sasaki Glass Pilsner Glass

Price approx. 10,000–20,000 KRW | Capacity 285–350ml | Material Tempered glass

Toyo-Sasaki Glass, founded in 1910, has set the standard for glassware in Japanese homes and restaurants for over a century. It is estimated that over 70% of Japanese restaurants and bars use Toyo-Sasaki products.

Their pilsner-style glass is the most commonly used form in Japanese highball culture. The tall, narrow structure optimises carbonation retention, and the high durability suits everyday use. Suntory's official events frequently feature glasses from this range.

Best whisky: Suntory Toki, Nikka blended, Johnnie Walker Red — light, refreshing blended styles

Recommendation 2 — Riedel O Whisky Tumbler

Price approx. 40,000–60,000 KRW (set of 2) | Capacity 325ml | Material Machine-blown crystal

The Riedel O series is a stemless tumbler in crystal. Riedel's characteristically thin glass delivers the flavours of whisky and sparkling water with exceptional clarity. If you want the fruity notes of the whisky to come alive when you add sparkling water, the Riedel O is superior to the Toyo-Sasaki.

However, the thin walls mean warmth transfers quickly. Pre-chilling the glass in the freezer, or using large ice, is recommended. Major bars worldwide frequently use this type of glass for premium highball service.

Best whisky: Glenfiddich 12, Laphroaig 10 — characterful single malts in highball form

Recommendation 3 — Spiegelau Highball Glass

Price approx. 30,000–50,000 KRW | Capacity 350ml | Material Lead-free crystal

Spiegelau's dedicated highball line. The 350ml capacity comfortably holds 30ml whisky + 90ml sparkling water + ice. The tall, uniform form optimises the rise of carbonation, and it has been recommended as a highball glass in both Decanter and Imbibe Magazine. Lead-free crystal means dishwasher-safe, which is a practical advantage.

Recommendation 4 — Suntory Official Highball Glass

Price approx. 20,000–30,000 KRW | Capacity 300ml | Material Tempered glass

The official highball glass developed by Suntory for their highball campaign. The tall, narrow form and thick base are its signature features — this is the glass you see most in Japanese izakayas and street-food restaurants. Available from Japanese tableware specialists or as a souvenir from Japan. Affordable and durable, making it easy to buy in multiples.

How to Use Your Highball Glass

Choosing the right glass is only half of it. How you use it matters just as much.

1. Chill the glass — Place the glass in the freezer for at least 20 minutes, or swirl ice inside for 30 seconds to chill the whole glass
2. Ice — A large spherical ice ball (5–6cm diameter) melts slower than crushed ice, reducing dilution
3. Whisky — Approximately 1/5 of the glass capacity (about 30ml). Don't pour directly onto the ice — let it run down the inside wall of the glass
4. Sparkling water — Three times the whisky (about 90ml). Pour slowly from as low as possible to minimise carbonation loss. Do not stir

Summary

Glass	Price	Capacity	Strength	Best for
Toyo-Sasaki Pilsner	10,000–20,000 KRW	285ml	Value, durability	Everyday, blended highball
Riedel O Tumbler	40,000–60,000 KRW	325ml	Flavour clarity	Single malt highball
Spiegelau Highball	30,000–50,000 KRW	350ml	Carbonation retention	Prioritising fizz
Suntory Official	20,000–30,000 KRW	300ml	Authenticity, practical	Japanese-style highball

For everyday use, the Toyo-Sasaki pilsner is the most practical choice. For a highball that showcases single malt flavour, go with the Riedel O. For an authentic Japanese highball experience, the Suntory Official fits the context.