Anejo Highball cocktail
The Anejo Highball is a refreshing rum-based cocktail mixed with orange curacao liqueur, and lime juice. A few dashes of Angostura bitters add a hint of cinnamon to the flavour, while the ginger beer that tops the cocktail creates a spicy aftertaste.
The Anejo Highball was created in New York by a talented bartender Dale DeGroff. The cocktail was his tribute to the Cuban bartenders who would keep the rum alive during the Prohibition days when many Americans would choose Cuba as a holiday destination.
- Prep Time:
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 1.8
Equipment
- Highball glass
Ingredients
- 45 ml aged rum
- 15 ml orange curacao liqueur
- 7.5 ml lime juice
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- ginger beer (to top)
- 1 lime slice
- 1 orange slice
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients (apart from ginger beer) to a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top up with ginger beer and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime and orange slices.
FAQ
What’s in an Añejo Highball?
The Añejo Highball mixes aged rum with ginger beer, lime juice, and a touch of orange curaçao. It’s a refreshing long drink with spice, citrus, and rich rum depth — almost like a tropical cousin of the Dark ’n’ Stormy.
How strong is an Añejo Highball?
A typical serve (45ml aged rum at 40% ABV + curaçao + mixers) comes to about 1.8 alcohol units. That makes it lighter than short drinks like the Old Fashioned but still stronger than breezy tall serves such as the Cuba Libre.
What makes it different from other rum highballs?
The addition of orange curaçao sets it apart, adding a subtle citrus sweetness that rounds out the ginger’s bite. In contrast, a Mojito relies on mint for freshness, while a Cuba Libre gets its lift from cola.
What’s the best rum for an Añejo Highball?
An aged (añejo) rum is key – ideally something with a few years in oak to bring out caramel, spice, and vanilla. Younger white rum would make the drink too sharp, while overly dark rum could overwhelm the citrus balance.
What’s the garnish?
A lime wedge is traditional, but a sprig of mint or an orange slice works beautifully too, echoing the garnish-driven style of other refreshing tall drinks like the Tom Collins.