As one does, I asked the bartender for a recommendation.
It was my first time at Spirits & Tales, the Pitt-centric restaurant concept on the 10th floor of the Oaklander Hotel. Staring at the glossy wall of choices, I was genuinely baffled by what to order. I allowed Derek, the friendly bartender, guide my night.
“Do you like whisky, sir? Here, try this.”
Derek slid me a Collins glass. Here is what it contained:
- ice, lots of it
- one measure of Suntory Japanese whisky
- three measures of chilled sparkling water
- a lemon peel
Put simply, the refreshing scent of lemon intertwined with the perfect level of carbonation in the water put me on a one-way ticket to summer.
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Enter the Toki Highball
The Toki Highball is a zesty, aromatic mouthfizz made using Suntory Whisky from Japan.
The blend of smooth whisky and sparkling water over a generous serving of ice is truly a work of art.
Fun Fact: Suntory has a selective application process to ensure that establishments are permitted to serve their spritzy delicacy. Spirits & Tales proudly served my Toki Highball from a beautifully slender, white contraption on the bar that bore the logo of Suntory Whisky.
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Where can you get the Toki Highball in Pittsburgh?
Here are four places (we are aware of) that serve the Toki Highball cocktail.
Spirits & Tales // Oakland: Located on the 10th floor of The Oaklander Hotel on the University of Pittsburgh campus.
The Warren // Downtown: Located downtown at the corner of Liberty Ave + 7th Street.
Cobra // Bloomfield: Located at the base of the Bloomfield Bridge where Liberty Ave + Main Street intersect.
Umami** // Lawrenceville: Located at the corner of Butler Street + 38th Street directly above Round Corner Cantina.
**Note: While The Warren, Spirits & Tales and Cobra all serve the Toki Highball out of Suntory’s branded machinery, Umami ALSO serves the Toki using all the same ingredients but with an in-house carbonation program.
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Know of another place in town that serves up this refreshing, east Asian treat? Drop us a note and share the love.
We’re (mildly) obsessed with this mini discovery.
