Want something refreshingly simple, but traditionally honored to beat the heat with? Highballs are an effortless choice! The cocktail variations added to this classic slim glass are endless, but the Japanese Whiskey highball is definitely one that historic stands tall above the rest.
First popularized in the 1950s, Suntory Whiskey invented a light and fizzy drink for those not looking to heavily imbibe, and in the 1980s, the renowned distillery introduced the highball machine to infuse the alcohol directly with carbonated water on tap.
While these devices may be rarely seen in America, San Francisco is well equipped with this cultural treat, as well as other inventive highball creations, to provide you with the perfect drink to cool off with.
See also: The Coolest San Francisco Bars For Frozen Cocktails & Boozy Slushies
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701 3rd St / (415) 800-8141 / Website
KAIYŌ Rooftop luxuriously presents authentic Nikkei cuisine and culture, which is a historic fusion of Japanese and Peruvian heritages, in the most impeccably elevated and scenic way.
Head up to this lush oasis with unbeatable views when around the Oracle Park area for highballs fresh out of their exclusive Suntory Toki Highball Machine, which offers whisky, vodka, gin, or tequila. This is a premier choice for a trendy lounge with a stunning view, made complete with Bar Manager Carl Brown's brilliant beverage program.
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32 3rd St / (415) 432-7006 / Website
Kona's Street Market will delightfully offer solace from some sunny Union Square shopping or museum venturing, especially if you see the adorable Kona herself! This playfully chic lounge has over five variations of the highball, which, aside from the classic Toki Hi-Ball, we recommend their apple-cinammon Rose Hi-Ball, or their Alameda with St. George Absinthe during their specified Hi-Ball Hour!
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3174 16th St / (415) 294-1871 / Website
ABV is known for their endless list of top-shelf libations and innovative concoctions, and highballs are no exception. Duck into this cool and calm Mission landmark for 6+ offerings, such as the fruite Dolomite with blueberry amaro and bitter lemon soda, or the Casino with blanco tequila, orange bitters, and more. They also offer two "Baller" Highballs at $18 each for those craving the truly sophisticated options.
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1725 Haight St / (415) 666-0822 / Website
The Alembic is the absolute essential go-to in Haight Ashbury, for their cozy intimate space feels like a dark vintage speakeasy that's been modernized with the most out-of-the-box cocktail masterpieces. Such creativity is filled to the brim in their "hi-dive," which perfectly balances iwai japanese whiskey with red wine gastrique for a light, yet complex experience.
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2170 Bryant St / (415) 868-4479 / Website
San Ho Won is a Korean barbecue restaurant in the Mission near Potrero Hill, and is the perfect destination to pair preceisely cooked meat with a delicate Korean-style highball.
We recommend their Maesil-soju highball, or their SOL Highball with exquisite Aged Pine Needle Syrup that compliments the Hwayo in an intriguingly refreshing way.
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1695 Polk St / (415) 562-7493 / Website
Head to the bustling Polk Street to Harper & Rye for a refined cocktail that's just as gorgeous as their rustic interior. Sit at their Instagram-worthy bar while you replenish with their incredibly complex highballs, such as the Spee & Beast with Japanese Whisky, lemongrass, and blood orange soda for an herbaceous and citrusy twist.
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101 California St / (415) 535-0184 / Website
PABU is the ultimate Japanese stop in the Financial District, from their talented sake master, to the traditional decor, and naturally, impeccable sushi and other elevated Japanese comfort classics. Pair them all with their deluxe Toki Highball, with delightfully includes lemon essence with their high carbonation soda for a thirst-quenching effervescence.
No matter where you are in the city, you can be sure that you'll find a reviving and remarkably-made cocktail, especially when it's hot out!
See also: The Most Unique, Creative, And Inventive Cocktails To Try In San Francisco
Photography by: Maren Caruso/Getty Images
