A must-see for home drinking! Suntory Kakuhai Highball. Strong alcohol content, how to make it, and the golden ratio

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Kaku Highball is a popular staple at izakayas. In recent years, it has become popular among a wide range of generations as a toast drink to replace beer, and is garnering attention as a drink that can be easily enjoyed at home.

This article provides a clear explanation of the appeal of Kaku Highball and the basic method of making it .

We will introduce tips that even beginners can follow, such as the golden ratio taught by professionals, recipe variations, and a comparison with canned highballs. Use this as a reference for enjoying Kaku Highball at home!

What kind of drink is Kaku Highball?

"Kaku Highball" is a popular izakaya staple

"Kakuhai" is a type of highball, and is a standard menu item at izakayas. Some people may know it as a "kakuhai," but the "hai" here does not refer to one or two glasses of high, but to a "highball."

A highball is a drink made by mixing whiskey with carbonated water . Kaku highball is one such highball, and is made using Suntory's "Kakubin" bottle .

Whisky can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as with water, hot water, straight, or on the rocks, but the appeal of highballs, which are made by mixing them with soda, is that they are easy to drink even for beginners. In particular, Kaku Highballs made with Suntory Kakubin have an excellent balance of price and taste, and are loved as a classic highball because they can be easily ordered at izakayas .

Features and prices of Suntory Kakubin

• Type of whiskey: Blended whiskey
• Alcohol content: 40%
• Capacity: 180ml, 700ml, 1,920ml, 2,700ml, 4,000ml
• Price: 700ml bottle 1,749 yen (tax included)

The "Kakubin" used in Kaku Highball is one of the blended whiskeys released by Suntory. It is characterized by its tortoiseshell-patterned, angular bottle , and the label does not actually say "Kakubin". The standard size is 700ml, but a 180ml mini size and a large-capacity size in a plastic bottle are also available.

Suntory offers a wide range of whiskeys, from high-end malt whiskeys to affordable ones, but Kakubin is priced at just under 2,000 yen for a 700ml bottle . It is produced in large quantities and can be easily purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets, making it an easy drink to enjoy on a daily basis.

In addition to being cheap, Kakubin is also known for its high quality. It is made using bourbon barrel malts from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries , and is a well-balanced blend of multiple whiskey malts. Kakubin sake is characterized by its sweet aroma and rich flavor, with a dry, clean aftertaste.

Kaku Highball also reflects the appeal of Kakubin. Compared to Torys Highball, which is also made with Suntory's whiskey "Torys", Kaku Highball has a stronger sweet aroma and is more satisfying to drink .

You can also enjoy it casually with a can of Kaku Highball.

• Alcohol content: 7%
• Capacity: 350ml can, 500ml can
• Price: 350ml 215 yen (tax included), 500ml can 290 yen (tax included)

Suntory also sells "Kaku Highball Cans." This product allows you to enjoy Kaku Highball, made from whiskey in Kakubin, straight from the can, just like canned beer. It reproduces the deliciousness of the drink you get at a restaurant, with a strong carbonation and a refreshing taste .

Kaku Highball cans are made without heat sterilization after canning , so the flavor is preserved and can be enjoyed. Lemon spirits are also added, giving the can a subtle lemony freshness.

In addition to the regular type with 7% alcohol content, Kaku Highball cans also come in a 9% alcohol content "Kaku Highball Strong." This is recommended for those who like the strong flavor of highballs you get at a bar.

The Birth and History of Kaku Highball

[ #TokkyoPublicityMagazine ] Introducing back issues! (Vol.38)
At that time, on that intellectual property page, we introduced "Suntory Whisky Kakubin"!
"Kakubin" canned highballs are also popular.
When did they start using the tortoiseshell pattern and yellow label design?
Let's unravel the history of the challenge. https://t.co/Iu8Hd7v47T #PatentOfficepic.twitter.com /QrxldiDL1E

— Japan Patent Office (@jpo_NIPPON) October 15, 2021

Kaku Highball is a very popular cocktail in Japan, made with Suntory Kakubin. Its roots date back to the early Showa period. At the time, highballs were served in bars and Western restaurants as a simple way to drink whiskey by mixing it with carbonated water. In the 1950s and 60s after the war, highballs became widely popular with the introduction of Suntory's whiskey " Kakubin ."

Kaku Highball was brought back into the spotlight in the late 2000s. This was triggered by Suntory promoting it as a drink to be enjoyed with meals, targeting health-conscious and calorie-conscious consumers. Promotional efforts based on the concept of "low calorie and good with meals" proved successful, and now that the culture of drinking at home has taken hold, Kaku Highball has become a standard drink that can be easily enjoyed at home .

In this way, Kaku Highball has evolved with the times and is beloved as an essential part of Japan's drinking culture.

How to make a delicious Kaku Highball! Kakubin:soda ratio is 1:3

The izakaya staple, Kaku Highball, can be easily made at home with just the ingredients of "Kakubin" (a bottle of sake) and "carbonated water." From here, we will tell you how to make Kaku Highball and how to make it delicious.

＜Things to prepare＞

• Suntory Kakubin: 30ml
• Carbonated water: 90ml
• A large glass or mug
• ice
• Cut lemon

1. Chill the glass beforehand

The important thing when making a highball is to make sure it is well chilled. If the glass is warm, the ice will melt quickly and the highball will become diluted, so we recommend that you first make sure the glass you use for the highball is well chilled .

If you are using a room temperature glass, add ice to the glass, stir it with a muddler, and then discard the remaining water . This simple step will make a big difference in the taste of the highball.

2. Fill the glass with ice

Once the glass is chilled, fill it with ice. We recommend using a tall highball glass or a mug .
Make sure to choose ice that is not too fine, but has a certain size. Rock ice is ideal.

3. Pour in about 30ml of whiskey.

After putting ice in the glass, pour the whiskey first. One glass of whiskey is roughly 30ml (single).
After adding the whiskey, stir it around with a muddler. By the way, the technical term for stirring with a muddler is "stirring."

4. Pour in about 90ml of carbonated water.

After stirring the whiskey with a muddler, pour in the carbonated water. The recommended amount of carbonated water is 3 parts for every 1 part of whiskey . Kakubin whiskey has a strong aroma but is dry to drink, so be careful not to dilute it too much with carbonation as it will end up being a bit weak.

For example, if you add 30ml of whiskey, it is best to add 90ml of carbonated water . Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

5. Mix once at the end.

When you add carbonated water, you may be tempted to stir it, but stirring too much can cause the carbonation to go away, so only stir it once .
This is a technique that is common not only when using Kakubin, but when making any highball.

6. Garnish with cut lemon and serve.

After adding the soda and mixing, you can garnish with a slice of lemon if you like. You can also use a slice of lime instead of lemon.
The sweet aroma and richness of Kakubin goes well with sour fruits such as lemons. It also looks gorgeous, so please give it a try.

How to make a delicious highball. What is the golden ratio of amounts and proportions?

Four reasons why people love Kaku Highball

1. It makes rich whiskey easier to drink

Whisky has a very high alcohol content of around 40%. Kakubin also has an alcohol content of 40%, so drinking it straight may be for connoisseurs. However, when made into a highball, the alcohol is diluted, making it easier to drink.

The alcohol content of Kaku Highball is around 6-9% , depending on how it is made . It is slightly stronger than beer, lower than wine, and about the same alcohol content as chuhai, making it much easier to drink.

In addition, mixing with carbonated water does more than just dilute the alcohol. By mixing Kakubin with carbonated water, you get the impression that the unique sweet aroma of Kakubin spreads softly .

2. Easy to drink with meals

Kaku Highball is also recommended as a drink to have with meals. Kaku Highball has a dry aftertaste and does not interfere with the taste of the meal, so it matches a variety of dishes . For example, it is a surefire combination with classic snacks such as sausages , fried chicken, and potatoes . It also goes well with savory foods such as unglazed nuts and cheese snacks .

Kaku Highball also has a sweet aroma, so it goes well with chocolate , dried fruit , cheesecake , and other sweets. The appeal of Kaku Highball is that it can be enjoyed for a long time, from toasting to dessert.

3. Enjoy whiskey on a budget

If you enjoy Kaku Highball at home, you can drink it for about 200 to 300 yen . Even if you order it at an izakaya, it is often around 300 to 500 yen depending on the restaurant's pricing, so it is good value for money.

In recent years, the price of whiskey has been rising, especially Japanese whiskey and malt whiskey. Some bottles are priced at over tens of thousands of yen, and many of them are delicious but not easy to drink.
However, with Kakubin, you can easily enjoy the authentic taste of Suntory. Kakubin's aroma does not easily fade even when made into a highball, making it perfect for when you want to enjoy a luxurious taste.

4. Unlike beer, it has zero sugar

In recent years , Kaku Highball has become popular as a toast drink instead of beer . Kaku Highball is healthier than beer, so it is perfect for health-conscious people.
Whisky, a distilled alcoholic drink, does not contain sugar, so it is said to be less fattening than beer, which has a lot of sugar . Highballs, which are made by simply mixing whiskey with carbonated water, also have zero sugar, so they are healthy. They are also perfect for those who are concerned about the purine content of beer.

We examined the calories and carbohydrates of whiskey such as Hakushu. We compared it with shochu and other drinks in 100ml to see if it makes you fat.

Canned Highball vs. Homemade Kaku Highball: A Thorough Comparison of Taste and Cost

The pros and cons of canned highballs

Yamazaki Highball has a reputation among horse racing forecasters for its deliciousness, but when it comes to canned drinks, the best is a strong Kaku Highball.

On the first day of the second half, we safely won and savored the sweet taste of victory (ﾟ∀ﾟ)

At the Osaka Sports Cup, Fukunaga's deadly front-loading technique allowed him to secure at least third place (lol) pic.twitter.com/nSJlGcsn7i

— Kiritsukuba (@DQc5K1klCoADKkO) July 4, 2020

merit

• Convenience : Just open the can and drink, no preparation or cleanup required.
• Consistent taste : Each product has a consistent quality, so everyone can enjoy the same taste.
• Easy to carry : Suitable for outdoor activities and parties.

Disadvantages

• Not customizable : It is difficult to adjust the strength or arrange it to your liking.
• Cost performance : The cost per cup tends to be higher than if you make it yourself.
• Ease of carbonation : Carbonation will escape over time after opening.

The pros and cons of homemade highballs

merit

• Freely customize : Adjust the type and ratio of whiskey and carbonated water to enjoy your favorite taste.
• Economical : Buying bottles of beer or carbonated water in bulk can reduce the cost per drink.
• Fresh carbonation : Enjoy the fizz of freshly made carbonation.

Disadvantages

• It's a hassle : You need to prepare glasses and ice, and there's cleanup to do afterwards.
• Requires skill : The taste depends on the ratio and pouring method, so there is a chance of failure if you make it for the first time.

Which one should you choose? Recommendations for different occasions

• When you're busy or outdoors : If simplicity is important to you, we recommend canned highballs. They are especially convenient when camping or on the go.
• Drinking at home or for special occasions : If you want to enjoy a drink at home, a homemade highball is the best choice. You can adjust the strength and make it to your liking.
• If cost is a major consideration : If you drink it every day, making your own coffee is cost-effective.

Conclusion

We recommend using canned highballs and homemade highballs depending on the occasion and purpose. Choose the method that suits you best, considering the balance between convenience, taste, and cost!

What is Shirokaku Highball? How is it different from regular Kaku Highball?

In addition to the regular type, there is also a product called "Shirokaku" in Kakubin. Shirokaku was released in 1992 and is easily recognizable by its white label and cap design . It has now been revived as a limited edition, so if you come across it, be sure to give it a try.

Hakukaku mainly uses raw liquor from the Hakushu Distillery . Hakushu has a cleaner, clearer taste than Yamazaki, and Hakukaku has a refreshing, clear taste as well. It has a gentle aroma and a smooth texture, and when made into a highball, it has an even sharper taste.

The sweet aroma of the Shirokaku Highball is subdued and has a dry impression, making it a perfect match for Japanese food . When making a highball, it is recommended to add kabosu in addition to lemon.

How to enjoy Kakubin without drinking highballs

Of course, you can drink Kakubin in ways other than highballs, such as with water or on the rocks. If you got hooked on Kakubin after drinking Kaku Highballs, we encourage you to try other ways to drink it.

Water

I drink a strong bottle of Kakubin sake mixed with water, which is sold at my favorite liquor store. Smoky and delicious ( ꒪⌓꒪) #TWLC pic.twitter.com/tdrCkj1QOr

— aki@alcohol account (@aki_liqour) April 13, 2022

Mizuwari is a method of drinking whiskey by diluting it with water. Simply pour the whiskey first into a glass filled with ice, then the water, and you're done. It's easy to drink like a highball, but has a milder flavor than a highball.
A sake mixed with water using Kakubin has a good balance of moderate sweetness and smokiness. Try making it with Kakubin:water ratio of about 1:3-4 .

How to make whiskey and water. 10 whiskeys recommended for whiskey and water that can't be bad.

on the rocks

Blow away stress! ~Suntory Whisky Kakubin on the rocks~ pic.twitter.com/cH0OZh56Ht

— Takashi only ★ Alcohol & home drinking account (@jjb_e) June 6, 2016

The style of drinking whiskey on the rocks, where you pour whiskey into a rocks glass with large ice cubes floating in it, also goes perfectly with Kakubin . As the ice melts over time, you can enjoy the change in flavor.
In addition to drinking it on the rocks, there is also a way to drink it called "rock mist" which uses finely crushed ice. Small ice melts quickly and makes the drink cold, so it is recommended for summer.

Square bottle x orange juice

I finished work in the afternoon so I came here (^^) Relax with the event's exclusive drink "OpenMyEYES" (a sweet orange juice mixed with a square bottle) (≧▽≦) #NatsuAmano ( @natsu_amano ) pic.twitter.com/fITZoZzEur

— Hajime (@hajime_0105) April 27, 2019

If you want to enjoy a sweet drink with a cocktail-like feel, try mixing Kakubin with some juice. We especially recommend orange or other citrus juices, or apple juice .
Mixing it with juice gives it a sweeter taste. This is a recommended way to drink it for women and those who don't like strong alcohol.

10 Cheap and Delicious Whiskies for Beginners, Perfect for Highballs

A must-see for beginners! Q&A on making Kaku Highball

Q: What is the golden ratio? What is the best?

The golden ratio for bringing out the best flavor in Kaku Highball is 1 part whiskey to 3 to 4 parts carbonated water .
This ratio creates a good balance between the aroma of whiskey and the refreshing taste of carbonated water. For beginners, we recommend starting with a lighter ratio of 1:4.
If you want a richer flavor, adjust the ratio to 1:3. Also, it's important to pour slowly so the carbonation doesn't escape.

How does the taste change depending on the type of carbonated water?

The taste of Kaku Highball can change dramatically depending on the carbonated water you choose.

• Strong Carbonated Water : Strong carbonation for a refreshing feeling. Perfect for Kaku Highball.
• Flavored carbonated water : Using lemon or lime flavored carbonated water is an easy way to add flavor to your drink. Recommended for beginners.
• Carbonated spring water : Using carbonated water with a mineral taste will bring out the flavor of your whiskey even more.
Keeping carbonated water chilled will help the carbonation last longer and improve the mouthfeel.

Can it be made with whiskey other than Kakubin?

Of course you can! You can make a highball using your favorite whiskey, not just Kakubin. Here are some points to consider when choosing a whiskey:

• Sweet whiskey : Makes a mild, easy-to-drink highball.
• Smoky whiskey : Has a strong aroma and a distinctive taste.
• Bourbon whiskey : It has a distinctive sweet vanilla flavor and goes well with carbonation.
However, since Kakubin is made with the perfect balance in mind for a Kaku Highball, we recommend that first-time drinkers try Kakubin first.

Conclusion

Even if you are a beginner, it is important to know the golden ratio, how to choose carbonated water, and the characteristics of whiskey in order to enjoy Kaku Highball. Please enjoy the charm of Kaku Highball while finding the taste that suits you.

How to store Kakubin! If it's unopened, can it be purchased?

Kakubin is a distilled alcoholic beverage, so it will not spoil and can be easily stored at home. By storing it in a cool, dark place , it will prevent loss and last longer. Also, make sure to store the bottle vertically, not horizontally.
If the alcohol is unopened and in good condition, you may be able to sell it even if you have not drunk it.

However, we do not recommend storing it in the refrigerator . It can get too cold in the refrigerator, which can cause the aroma to be lost and the quality of the sake to deteriorate. Make sure to store it in a cool, dark place at close to room temperature.

If you would like to know how to store whiskey, including Kakubin, or how to buy unopened whiskey, please contact Linkus, a specialty alcohol purchase store. Linkus is a specialty store that specializes in buying alcohol, and is currently strengthening its whiskey purchases.
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summary

Kaku Highball is a simple yet deep-flavored highball made with Suntory Kakubin. When making it at home, it's important to remember the golden ratio of 1 part whiskey to 3-4 parts carbonated water, and pour gently so the carbonation doesn't escape. You can also use strong carbonated water or flavored carbonated water to create your own flavor.

Canned highballs are appealing because they are easy to make, but by making them yourself you can enjoy different variations while keeping costs down. Kaku Highballs are easy even for beginners to try, so why not try them at home? Enjoy the world of Kaku Highballs, which are loved by a wide range of people, from alcohol lovers to health-conscious people!