Why Are Mixed Drinks Called A ‘Highball’?
In the world of cocktails, Highball holds a place as a delightful combination of spirits and bubbles which blurs the lines between concoctions like Gin and Tonic or Scotch and Soda. Have you ever wondered about the origins of the term and its connection to drinks?. Patrick Duffy in his revered 1949 book Handbook for Hosts describes it as ‘the drink’—quite a remarkable accolade!
The Origin of the Name
Unravelling the roots of the Highball is like diving into a detective story. It all began with the fascination for beverages around 1655, when innovative British glass blowers created bottles withstanding the pressure from these drinks leading to London’s first bottled sparkling wine. As carbonation technology advanced the English upper class started adding sparkling water to their brandy, unknowingly giving birth to a version of what we know as Brandy Highball—although it wasn't served on ice until it gained popularity in the 1880s.
Now why do we call it a 'Highball'? One explanation is quite straightforward. It is served in a glass commonly referred to as 'high'. Another concept has its roots in the idea of 19th-century railways, where trains were ordered to proceed by a raised metal ball, called a highball. This notion gives the history of the drink a whimsical touch.
The Rise of 'Scotch and Soda'
During the wars, as cognac became scarce, there was a shift among drinkers towards scotch whisky. Scotland’s charm which was further enhanced by Queen Victoria’s fondness for the country led to the emergence of a drink called Scotch and Soda, which served as a precursor to the Highball.
The First Official Highball
In 1895, CF Lawlor’s book The Mixicologist introduced a version of the Highball known as the ‘splificator’. This drink consisted of whiskey and sparkling water poured over ice. Soon, in 1900, it also featured in Harry Johnson’s Bartenders’ Manual. Adding to its mystique, Patrick Duffy, in 1927, claimed that America’s first Scotch Highball was created at Adams House in Boston.
The Highball in Japanese Culture
Japan has developed a relationship with the Highball that deserves attention. In the 1960s and 1970s it became a symbol of status among businessmen. Later, it experienced a decline in popularity before resurging in the 2000s. In Japan, the art of making a Highball is highly revered—every detail matters, from ensuring the glass is at a temperature to following stirring techniques (either not stirring at all or exactly 13.5 counter clockwise rotations). The meticulous effort put into crafting a Japanese style Highball reflects its position within their cocktail culture.
The Evolution of the Highball in Western Culture
In the western cultures, it might be worthwhile to adopt some of Japan’s finesse when it comes to preparing our versions of the Highball. The complexity of crafting a Highball lies in its simplicity as it requires execution of each ingredient to create a drink that truly resonates with the person enjoying it.
Honouring the Traditional Highball
In summary, the Highball's versatility and ever-changing character make it a timeless option in the cocktail industry. It acts as an artistic canvas. Brings the drinker and mixologist together in a generation-spanning ritual. So let's raise a glass to the Highball in recognition of its heritage, adaptability, and indisputable coolness. Cheers to celebrating drinking customs with a modern twist! Salutations!
