Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileHighball
Phoenix, AZ · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Highball's cocktail menu is a study in controlled creativity, organized by style from clarified to spiritous. The HB Fizz, a pineapple-infused gin number with a Miller High Life sidecar, is the headliner. Dairy-clarified drinks and a dedicated no-ABV section show range. Wine and beer are minimal but intentional, with beer-spirit pairings adding a playful twist.
- What should I order?
- Start with The HB Fizz, a $23 signature with pineapple-infused gin and Green Chartreuse, served with a beer sidecar. For something clarified, Twig & Berries ($19) blends gin, cognac, and pisco with berry and yogurt. The Nitro Espresso Martini is available in three sizes, from a $5 shot to an $18 full pour. Non-drinkers should try Seedless Behavior ($16).
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Cocktail enthusiasts seeking inventive, well-balanced drinks will find much to explore. The menu's range, from clarified cocktails to low-ABV and non-alcoholic options, suits both adventurous drinkers and those looking for refined classics. The intimate, moody atmosphere described by guests appeals to those wanting a focused, conversation-friendly bar.
- When should I go?
- Evenings when the bar's dark, moody lighting and intimate setting are at their peak. The wait list system suggests popularity, so arriving early is wise. There's no specific time evidence, but the cocktail-focused menu is best enjoyed during a relaxed evening session.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails range from $16 to $23, with shots at $6 and $8. The Nitro Espresso Martini is $5 for a shot, $13 for a mini, and $18 for full size. Wine by the glass is $14–$24, by bottle $34–$65. Beer starts at $5, with beer-spirit pairings $4–$10.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- A cocktail menu organized by preparation style, including a Clarified & Fizzy section featuring dairy-clarified drinks. The HB Fizz pairs a gin cocktail with a Miller High Life Pony sidecar. A dedicated No & Low ABV section uses non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and Almave. Highball Private Barrels offer exclusive pours for on-site and to-go. Beer-spirit pairings, like Modelo with tequila, add a distinctive twist.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Extensive menu organized by style, showcasing creative and complex drinks. Standouts include the HB Fizz with a beer sidecar, clarified cocktails like Twig & Berries, and a range of formats for the Nitro Espresso Martini.
Menu strengths
- — Creative and complex cocktail menu with unique ingredients like Szechuan peppercorn and clarified juices.
- — Variety of styles including clarified, carbonated, low ABV, and non-alcoholic options.
Standout selections
- — The HB Fizz ($23): Pineapple-infused Ford's Gin, Green Chartreuse, Falernum, citrus, heavy cream, egg white, with a Miller High Life Pony Beer sidecar.
- — Twig & Berries ($19): Zephyr Gin, Remy Martin VSOP Cognac, Caravedo Torontel Pisco, elderberry, blackberry, sage, ginger, yuzu, Greek yogurt clarified.
- — Nitro Espresso Martini: Ketel One Vodka, Reposado Tequila, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, local cold brew; available in shot ($5), mini ($13), full ($18).
Pricing: Specialty cocktails $16–$23; Nitro Espresso Martini $5 shot, $13 mini, $18 full.
Wine
A small, curated selection of three wines: a Portuguese white blend, a French red, and Moet Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne. Pricing is reasonable, but the list lacks depth.
Menu strengths
- — Curated selection includes a sparkling option (Moet Chandon Imperial Brut).
Standout selections
- — Sao Filipe White Blend (Portugal): $14 glass/$34 bottle, crisp with tropical fruit and light green pepper.
- — Moet Chandon Imperial Brut Champagne: $24 glass/$65 bottle.
Pricing: By glass $14–$24; by bottle $34–$65.
Beer
A limited beer list with four options, but notable for unique beer-spirit pairings. Modelo Especial can be paired with Blanco Tequila, Stiegl Radler with Sotol, and Bells Two Hearted IPA with Bourbon. Miller High Life is a straightforward $5 pour.
Menu strengths
- — Includes a radler and an IPA, offering some variety.
Standout selections
- — Modelo Especial + 1 oz Blanco Tequila for $4.00.
- — Miller High Life: $5, with optional AGWA addition for $5.
Pricing: Miller High Life $5; beer-spirit pairings $4–$10.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated 'No & Low (ABV)' section with creative non-alcoholic cocktails using Seedlip and Almave. Examples include Seedless Behavior ($16) and Second Proof ($18), plus low-ABV options like Jam Session ($17). This is a thoughtful and substantial non-alcoholic program.
Menu strengths
- — Dedicated section with multiple non-alcoholic and low-ABV options.
- — Uses quality non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip and Almave.
Standout selections
- — Seedless Behavior ($16): Seedlip Spice 94, Giffard N/A Ginger, honeydew, key lime, sudachi, Thai basil, Szechuan peppercorn.
- — Second Proof ($18): Lapsang Souchong Almave Ambar, Amaro Lucano N/A, Pilloncillo, 'Bitters'.
Pricing: Non-alcoholic cocktails $16–$18.
Spirits
An extensive spirits program evidenced by cocktails featuring a wide range of spirits, plus a Highball Private Barrel program offering exclusive pours for on-site and to-go. No standalone spirits list was retrieved, but the cocktail menu demonstrates depth.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of spirits used in cocktails.; Private barrel program for exclusive pours.
Standout selections
- — Passion Project: Del Maguey Puebla Mezcal or Hendrick's Oasium Gin with Spring 44 Barrel Aged Gin, Campari, passion fruit, Capertif Vermouth, saline.
- — Sundae Scaries: Ron Zacapa 23 Rum, Old Grand Dad Bonded Bourbon, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Averna Amaro, dark cherry, East India Sherry, parsnip creme float.
Pricing: No standalone spirits pricing available.
How it sits with the food
The clarified and carbonated cocktails, such as the Late September, could pair well with lighter fare, while spiritous drinks like Sundae Scaries might suit richer bites.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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