Cocktail Photography for Nikka Whiskey

The Whisk(e)y Highball is a simple classic: just whisk(e)y, quality ice and sparkling water, typically garnished with a lemon twist. For this client, no new or inventive recipe was required. The task was to show the process of making this simple yet elegant cocktail at home, but in a way that felt high-profile, and demonstrated high-standards and attention to detail.

These images are shot at my kitchen counter, but I used an off-camera flash to create more dramatic / cinematic lighting, and to better highlight the details of mixing the cocktail. Although the drink is simple, I focussed on using the best quality for each ingredient, which included the ice. Ice is a key ingredient in nearly every cocktail but it is often overlooked. Using quality, crystal-clear ice allows for slow dilution in addition to adding to the overall aesthetic of the drink itself.

Photography: Jordan Hughes
Client: Nikka Whisky