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Highball vs Lowball – What’s the Difference?
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Highball and lowball are two fundamental bar glass styles. The difference is more than appearance: height and volume determine how much ice and mixer fit and which drinks the glass suits best.
Highball vs lowball at a glance
| Highball | Lowball | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Tall and relatively narrow | Short and wider |
| Typical volume | approx. 300–450 ml | approx. 250–350 ml |
| Best for | Long drinks and cocktails with mixer | Spirits, whisky and short cocktails |
| Ice | Many cubes or spear | Large cube or less ice |
What is a highball used for?
Highballs are ideal for Gin & Tonic, Tom Collins, Paloma and Long Island Iced Tea. Browse highball and long drink glasses or see the Remy Savage Highball 33 cl.
What is a lowball used for?
Lowball, rocks and Old Fashioned glasses suit whisky, Negroni, Old Fashioned and short cocktails over large ice. Browse lowball and whisky glasses and read our whisky glass guide.
Are highball and long drink glasses the same?
The terms overlap heavily. A long drink glass may be slightly larger or more cylindrical, but they are often used for the same drinks.
What about ice?
A highball is usually filled well with ice. A lowball often works with one large cube. Read our large vs small ice guide.
For the home bar
One good highball and one good lowball cover a very large share of classic cocktails.
Restaurant and bar
Professional operations also need to consider washing, rack size, durability and the number of different glass series. See our restaurant and bar glassware guide.
FAQ
Can Gin & Tonic be served in a lowball?
Yes, but highball or Copa usually provides more room for ice and tonic.
Can whisky be served in a highball?
Yes, especially as a Whisky Highball with soda.