Hibiscus Ginger Lime Highball
The word “highball” is a collective term for a basic mixed drink. Gin and tonic? Highball. Seven and seven? Highball. Vodka cran? Highball. These are relatively low alcohol, easy sipping cocktails that are great for all-day refreshment, and they can be tweaked to any taste. Just pick an alcohol and a mixer, a syrup for additional taste and sweetening, and sit back.
When you mix a highball, use plenty of ice. Start with your ingredients cold, if possible, because that will help prevent the ice from watering down too quickly and altering the flavor of the drink. And pour in about 2/3 of the non alcoholic mixer—in this drink, it’s club soda—before adding the gin, juice, and syrup. Then finish with the remaining 1/3 of the mixer. When you build a drink this way it allows your beverage to mix itself, which helps protect the carbonation. One quick stir with a bar spoon or swizzle stick should ensure that your drink is fully blended. Then add final garnishes and enjoy.
For simple syrup:
1/4 cup Demerara Sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon Hibiscus Ginger Lime
For cocktail:
2 ounces gin, vodka, rum, or tequila
1 ounce lime juice
1/2-1 ounce Hibiscus Ginger Lime simple syrup
4 ounces club soda or more to fill glass
Lime wheel and Pink Peppercorns for garnish
1. Make simple syrup. Combine Demerara Sugar and water in a small saucepan or microwaveable bowl. Heat in pan or microwave until sugar is completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in Hibiscus Ginger Lime seasoning. Set aside to cool. This can be made a day in advance and left to chill.*
2. When syrup is cool, mix drink. Load a 10 ounce highball glass with ice and pour in about 2/3 of the club soda.
3. Pour gin, Hibiscus Ginger Lime simple syrup, and lime juice into glass. Top with remaining club soda to fill the glass.
4. Stir gently to make sure drink is fully mixed. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprinkling of Pink Peppercorns.
5. Store leftover Hibiscus Ginger Lime simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to one month.
*There will be much more simple syrup than you need for one cocktail. Put remaining syrup in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It should keep for about a month.
