Johnnie Walker is partnering with Asian dining precinct Spice Alley to offer a unique highball experience to Sydneysiders during May.

The whisky brand is hosting a month-long residency within the popular hawker centre to enable diners the chance to discover how Johnnie Highballs pair with Asian food.

Plus, for those wanting to learn how to make one like a pro, Diageo Whisky Ambassador Katie Nagar (above) will be hosting masterclass sessions throughout the month. Or, if you’re looking to impress on your next group dinner reservation, book your friends in for the Highball House Private Dining Experience and enjoy pairing Spice Alley dishes with a bespoke Johnnie Highball menu, complete with table service.

The initiative is also taking over Kensington St, with The Old Clare Hotel, Cartel, Gin Lane and Blossom Bar offering cocktails to complement their menus.

Melissa Maidment, Marketing Manager for Johnnie Walker, said: “While whisky is best known in its traditional serves – neat and on the rocks, this year it’s all about the Johnnie Highball – a perfect complement to Aperitivo food.

“As Sydney’s premier Asian food, dining and cultural hub, Spice Alley offers diners a chance to be transported from the alley ways of Chippendale to the streets of Asia. Combined with the fresh flavours of a Johnnie Highball, tailor made to complement the fare on offer with fusions such as the Johnnie & Ginger Lychee Highball, and the Johnnie & Lemongrass Highball, this event makes for the perfect pairing occasion, giving diners the opportunity to experience this season’s must-have drink, with their favourite dishes.”

Putting highballs & spice to the taste test

Drinks Digest went to a preview of the event and walked away a highball convert. Katie Nagar created two delicious cocktails: Johnnie & Green Tea Highball with Johnnie Walker Black Label, green tea cordial and Fever-Tree Soda Water; and Johnnie & Lychee Ginger Highball with Johnnie Walker Black Label, lychee and Fever-Tree Ginger Ale.

They paired beautifully with Spice Alley dishes including Takoyaki octopus balls, char kway teow and har gow dumplings.

Spice Alley is such a vibrant dining precinct and the highball celebration is a great time to explore it.

Click here to find out more about the events on offer.

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