Has the Highball plateaued?

With a schedule being mainly taken up by school and work, it has become increasingly more difficult to find the time to sit down and enjoy a cocktail.  when I do have the time to make my self a drink, I tend to make a simple stirred drink, or enjoy a local craft beer.  This streak of laziness has got me thinking about the highball; a two ingredient drink consisting of one spirit and one mix, the highball is as simple as the cocktail gets.

My first ever legal drink was a screwdriver, simply orange juice and vodka. For a while, the highball was the extent of my mixology knowledge.  The next four months following my 19th birthday saw the exploration of various highball combinations: Gin and tonic, Rum and coke, Jager and ginger ale (classy, I know), greyhound, cape cod, and every other possible two ingredient drink.

It hasn't been until recently where I've been enjoying these simple two ingredients cocktails again, and for the most part it has been due to one cocktail in particular: Fernet Branca and Cola.  Fernet and cola has seen an exponential rise in popularity here in Victoria thanks entirely to Clive's Classic Lounge.

Canada's number one licensee of Fernet Branca, Clive's Classic Lounge, puts the serious push on Fernet.  Going as far as dedicating a whole month to Fernet, as well as putting Fernet and cola on tap, Clive's Classic Lounge has indefinitely brought this highball to a new level.

Fernet & Cola
- 2oz Fernet Branca
- 4 oz Clive's House Made Cola *

- Fill collins glass 3/4 full with ice
- Add Fernet and Cola to collins glass
- Gently stir to mix ingredients

Clive's House Made Cola*

COLA RECIPE
4	Zest	Oranges
4	Zest	Limes
2	Zest	Lemon
1	Teaspoon	Powered Cinnamon
1	Teaspoon	Powered Nutmeg
4	Points	Star Anise
1	Teaspoon	Lavender Flowers
2	Teaspoons	Powered Kola Nut
1	Teaspoon	Ground Ginger
½		Vanilla Bean (seeds removed)
1	L	Water
½	Teaspoon	Citric Acid
Put on induction burner on MED-LO heat for 25-30 mins. Take off heat and strain, return to same heat & add 1 KG of Turbinado Sugar. Dissolve (about 15 mins) & bottle. To make carbonated cola – Mix 200mL of syrup with 800mL of water. Stir and pour into soda siphon, charge with 1 CO2 canister and shake.

One kilometer up the road at Veneto Tapa Lounge, an entire selection on the cocktail menu dedicated to "Juniper & Cinchona," or better know as, Gin and tonic.  Just another great example of bringing the highball to a new level.

Veneto's "Juniper & Cinchona" selection

The highballs I have concocted consist of three ingredients: spirit, mix, and one addition ingredient exceeding no more then 1/4 of an ounce.  The idea with these cocktails was to create something simple, creative, and delicious that could be made in a high volume establishment.  To begin, here is a great holiday themed highball.

Wallowing in Sorrow 
- 2 oz Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka
- 4 oz Apple Cider
- 1 teaspoon honey cinnamon syrup **

- Fill collins glass 3/4 full with ice

- Add all ingredients to collins glass

- Gently stir to mix ingredients

- Garnish with apple fan and fresh grated cinnamon

Honey Cinnamon Syrup **
- 1 Cup Honey
- 3/4 Cup Water
- 10 Cinnamon Sticks

- Add all ingredients to sauce pan over medium heat
- Constantly stir to achieve an even consistency
- After approximately 10 minutes, remove pan from heat
- Allow Syrup to cool
- Remove cinnamon sticks from syrup
- Bottle and store at room temperature


Peruvian Skies
- 2 oz Pisco
- 4 oz Fentimans Rose Soda
- 0.25 oz Lime Juice

- Fill collins glass 3/4 full with ice
- Add all ingredients to collins glass
- Gently stir to mix ingredients
- Garnish with lime wheel

Rosemary's Letter
- 2 oz Green Chartreause
- 4 oz Fentimans Dandelion & Burdock Soda
- 0.25 oz Lime Juice

- Fill collins glass 3/4 full with ice

- Add all ingredients to collins glass

- Gently stir to mix ingredients

- Garnish with a large sprig of rosemary

The highball doesn't need be a simple delivery vehicle of alcohol.  While 2 or 3 ingredients is limiting, there is enough craft sodas and creative garnishes to concoct some very interesting highballs.  Remember to think outside the box,  if your cocktail includes lime, don't feel like you have to garnish with with lime, use a garnish that has no other presents in the actual cocktail.  You'll be surprised at the wonderful creations you'll discover.