Most cocktail recipes that people concoct suggest a specific type of glassware which goes well with that drink. This is the reason why you need to know about the various types of glasses and which drink works with which glass. The significance of this is that the appropriate type of glass can make or break the look of your cocktail party. Furthermore, for now it may seem like a lot of fun making a 'double' or 'triple' martini in a highball glass, however, you may feel a bit differently about this in the morning! One of the most important factors that influence the type of glass for a particular type of cocktail is the amount of liquid in a drink that is compatible with the size of the glass.
Origin of Highball Glass
The term 'highball' itself refers to a family of mixed drinks that have a higher proportion of mixer to alcohol. The exact origin of the highball name is unclear. However, a person named Patrick Duffy, who was a New York barman, claimed that he invented the highball in 1895. However, there are certain references indicate that the term highball did not surface till 1898. The highball glass was named such because railroad practices during the 19th century included raising a ball on a pole to indicate to a passing train that the driver needed to move at a quicker pace than usual by speeding up. The highball drink is also served quickly, hence, the name. Furthermore, the time of day when the drink is consumed may also explain the name - a cocktail is generally enjoyed in the evenings, a few hours before dinner, while a highball is consumed in the afternoon, which the sun is still high in the sky.
In some regions, highball glasses are also known by names such as 'Slim Jim' and 'Cooler'. Normally, a highball drink is served over ice and made up of one liquor and one mixer such as either water or a carbonated drink. You can optionally garnish the drink with a slice of lemon, lime or orange.
Highball Glass Structure
Highball drinking glasses are typically used for tall mixed drinks. The highball glass size is such that it can hold between eight to twelve ounces of liquid at a time. Of the different types of glassware that exist, highball drinking glasses are distinguished by their tall, straight sides with a flat base or a footed stem. Highball drinking glasses are relatively smaller than the Collins or the Zombie glasses. However, these glasses are larger than the Delmonico glasses. Highball glasses are relatively similar in shape to the Collins glass and hold the same amount of liquid. However, the Collins glass is narrower in diameter than the highball. However, highball glasses are more versatile and they can be interchanged with the Collins glass and thus, like other stemware, can also be used to serve soda or beer.
As is the case with most glassware, the highball drinking glass comes in a few different styles. However, most bars and restaurants serve drinks in clear, plain highball glasses. However, hand painted and tinted highball glass sets are also a rage when it comes to a personal bar collection of glassware.
Highball glassware is a standard in any collection of cocktail glasses and can be used for drinks such as Salty Dog, Colorado Bulldog, Vodka, Cranberry and the ever popular Whiskey Sour. A traditional highball drink is made by using one shot of rye whiskey over ice. The rest of the glass is then filled with ginger ale.
So, this was all about the highball glass that is such a rage in any and every bar. When you're out trying to hunt for some worthwhile glassware, don't be hesitant to be creative and try shopping for something out of the box.
