There is no fixed ratio of the ingredients: the amount of water can vary according to taste from a splash to several times that of the whisky.

[1] The drink can be variously served with or without ice, and sometimes also with a simple garnish such as a citrus twist.

The glassware used can be any of the tumbler type, most commonly either old fashioned or highball glass.

In Japan, whisky and soda, typically made of Suntory Kakubin, is synonymous with highball.

[2] A stengah is a drink made from equal measures of whisky and soda water, served over ice.