The Easiest Fall Cocktail: Bourbon + Ginger Beer
Looking for a cocktail that's as easy as it is elegant? The Bourbon Highball with Ginger Beer might just be your new go-to. With only two ingredients-yes, just two!-this drink pairs smooth, warming bourbon with the zesty sparkle of chilled ginger beer. It's quick to make, beautifully golden in color, and perfect whether you're serving friends at a fall gathering or just treating yourself to a quiet moment on the couch.
Wondering how something so simple can taste this good? Let me show you!
This highball is a built drink, meaning no cocktail shaker, no stirring glass, no fuss. Just fill a tall glass with plenty of cubed ice, pour in your favorite bourbon, top it off with ginger beer (Fever-Tree is my go-to for this!), and finish with a slice of lemon for a bright, refreshing touch. I styled it on three fall-colored leaves to celebrate the season-because honestly, the drink's warm amber glow fits right in with everything I love about autumn.
Want more drinks that are quick, delicious, and perfect for cozy nights in? Browse my cocktail collection! And if you're feeling snacky, pair this highball with one of my easy treats like these Reese's Pieces Cookies or a Chestnut Bundt Cake for the ultimate fall-flavored moment.
So go ahead-curl up, sip something golden, and celebrate the joy of simple things. I'm so glad you're here.
🎥 Video
🥘 Ingredients
- Bourbon
- Use your favorite bourbon-something smooth and mellow works beautifully here. Since the ginger beer adds a bold, spicy kick, there's no need for anything too complex or pricey. I often reach for a mid-range bourbon that leans slightly sweet with vanilla or caramel notes. If you're new to bourbon, this is a great way to ease into it!
- Ginger Beer
- Ginger beer is what makes this cocktail sparkle-literally and flavor-wise! It's spicier and more robust than ginger ale. I love using Fever-Tree for its strong, natural ginger flavor and balanced sweetness, but any high-quality ginger beer will work just as well. Just make sure it's non-alcoholic unless you want an extra boozy twist.
- Cubed Ice
- Lots of cubed ice is key here. It chills the drink quickly and helps keep everything crisp without too much dilution. Skip crushed ice-too melty for this one!
- Lemon Slice (Garnish)
- A slice of lemon adds brightness and a little visual sunshine. You could also try an orange slice if that's what you have on hand-it complements the bourbon just as nicely.
See the recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1
Grab a tall highball glass and fill it all the way up with cubed ice. The more ice, the better-it keeps everything cool and crisp!
Step 2
Add your favorite bourbon directly over the ice. No shaker needed here-just smooth, easy pouring.
Step 3
Slowly pour chilled ginger beer into the glass. It'll fizz up beautifully and mingle with the bourbon as it settles.
Step 4
Garnish your drink with a slice of lemon. It brightens the flavors and looks so inviting!
Step 5
Garnish your drink with a slice of lemon. It brightens the flavors and looks so inviting!
🥳 Batch version (Serves 6)
Ingredients
- 9 oz (270 ml) bourbon
- 18 oz (540 ml) chilled ginger beer
- 6 lemon slices, for garnish
- Cubed ice
Instructions
- Fill a large pitcher with cubed ice halfway.
- Pour in the bourbon.
- Slowly add the ginger beer and stir gently to combine-don't overmix, as we want to retain the fizz.
- Divide into six highball glasses filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish each glass with a lemon slice just before serving.
🍓 Substitutions & Variations
- No ginger beer on hand?
- Swap in ginger ale for a milder, sweeter version. It won't have the same spicy kick, but it'll still be lovely and refreshing, especially if you add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten things up.
- Want a spicier sip?
- Add a dash of Angostura bitters or a slice of fresh ginger to your glass before pouring in the bourbon. It'll give your highball a warm, aromatic twist that's perfect for fall evenings.
- Make it fancy!
- Try a cinnamon stick stirrer or a sprig of rosemary for a seasonal garnish. Small touches, big cozy vibes!
🍽 Equipment
- Serving glass
- Measuring tools/Jigger
- Sharp knife & cutting board
🙋🏻 FAQ
Ginger beer is spicier and less sweet than ginger ale. For a bold, zesty cocktail with a bit of a kick, ginger beer is the way to go. If you prefer a lighter, sweeter drink, ginger ale will still work-just expect a gentler flavor.
You can! Swap the bourbon for a splash of apple juice or non-alcoholic whiskey alternative (like Kentucky 74), then top with ginger beer just like the original. It's still sparkly, warming, and perfect for fall.
Other Recipes for You to Try
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📖 Recipe
Bourbon Highball Recipe
Equipment
- Serving Glass
- Sharp knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- Cubed Ice for the serving glass
- 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- Ginger beer to top off. One highball glass holds 240 (1 cup) to 350 ml (1 ½ cups)
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with lots of Cubed Ice.Cubed Ice
- Pour in 1 oz Bourbon Whiskey.1 oz Bourbon Whiskey
- Top with chilled Ginger beer.Ginger beer
- Garnish with a Lemon slice.Lemon slice
Notes
🎉 Hosting a party?
To serve six, use: 9 oz (270 ml) bourbon 18 oz (540 ml) ginger beer 6 lemon slices for garnish Combine the bourbon and ginger beer in a large pitcher filled with ice. Stir gently and pour into six glasses with fresh ice. Garnish just before serving for the prettiest presentation.Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
⛑️ Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For further information, check Safe Food Handling - FDA.
Paula says
This highball with bourbon was so easy and I loved it!
Andrea says
Loved how the ginger beer gave it a little bite without being too sweet.
Swathi says
I love this bourbon, great drink to enjoy with homemade appetizer so good.