I don’t watch Mad Men (i’m sorry if I’ve offended you), but it’s been about as impactful to the retro cocktail as Sex in the City was to the Martini and Cosmopolitan. Suddenly drinks like the Old Fashioned have become common at the bar, and even bars themselves have started to revamp menus to give off more of that speakeasy feel.
One of my favorite types of Summer drinks thats benefited from this trend is the Highball. A Highball is usually in reference to a drink that has a base spirit, and a large portion of a non alcoholic mixer. It originates from back in the 1800’s, but since then we’ve had a huge advancement in the types of spirits & mixers we use today.
That’s why Mixologist Lucinda Sterling of New York’s Middle Branch worked to create several “improved” highball cocktails using Hangar 1 Vodka and Tincup Whiskey, both American made spirits. Each drink is a tip of the hat to the classics, with a modern twist. But don’t worry, the recipes themselves are still simple enough for you to make at home, or by the pool. We’re in the thick of Summer, so any of these would be a perfect way to cool off. Check them out and let us know what you think.
Photos Courtesy of Max Zagor
Hangar 1 Vodka Highball Cocktails
Lime in the Coconut- 2 oz Hangar 1 Straight Vodka
- 1.5 oz Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water
- Stewart’s Key Lime Soda
The Blushing Shirley- 2 oz Hangar 1 Straight Vodka
- 1 oz American Fruits Sour Cherry Cordial
- 7UP
California Mule- 2 oz Hangar 1 Straight Vodka
- ½ oz Regans’ Orange Bitters No. 6
- Barritt’s Ginger Beer
Pomegranate Peak- 2 oz TINCUP Whiskey
- ¾ oz PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
- Boylan’s Birch Beer
Rocky Mountain Hive- 2 oz TINCUP Whiskey
- ¾ oz honey syrup (3:1 honey:water)
- Q Sparkling Lemon Soda
Almond Joyful - 2 oz TINCUP Whiskey
- ½ oz orgeat
- Club soda
