Discovering the Mandarin Highball: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Father’s Day Drink
Father’s Day at our house is always a special occasion. It’s a time to honor Dad with good food, great company, and of course, his favorite drinks. Among his go-to choices are Chivas or Crown Royal on the rocks. This year, we decided to mix things up a bit by introducing him to a new drink: the Mandarin Highball. We found this delightful recipe on the Chivas website and thought it would be the perfect addition to our Father’s Day BBQ.
The Mandarin Highball turned out to be a hit – well, at least for us girls. Dad tried it and said it was good but still prefers his whisky on the rocks. I guess there’s no changing old habits! Nonetheless, we enjoyed the refreshing taste and found it fascinating to learn about the drink’s backstory.
Why Is It Called a Highball?
The term “Highball” has an interesting history, and there are a couple of theories about its origin.
- Bartender’s Slang: One belief is that “ball” was bartenders’ slang for glass, and this drink is best served in a tall glass.
- Railroad Connection: Another theory relates to railroads. At maximum train speed, the ball indicator would be highest in the tank, and two short whistle blows followed by one long one were given – mimicking the way two shots of whisky are followed by one long pour of soda in the drink.
How to Make a Mandarin Highball
Here’s the recipe we used to create this refreshing cocktail:
>> Ingredients
- 30 ml Chivas 12 or Chivas Mizunara
- 150 ml Mandarin Soda
- Orange Slice, to garnish
>> Ingredients: Mocktail
- 30 ml orange juice
- 150 ml Mandarin Soda
- Orange Slice, to garnish
>> Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with extra ice. (Pro-tip: The more ice, the better!)
- Pour in 30 ml of Chivas 12 or Chivas Mizunara.
- Add 150 ml of mandarin soda.
- Garnish with an orange slice.
Conclusion
While Dad might stick to his classic Chivas or Crown Royal on the rocks, the Mandarin Highball brought a refreshing twist to our Father’s Day celebrations. It’s a simple yet delightful drink that we enjoyed making and sipping. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or just looking for a new summer cocktail, the Mandarin Highball is definitely worth a try. Cheers to new traditions and the timeless classics that bring us together!
I’d love to hear about your favorite family drinks and any special twists you’ve tried! Share your stories and recipes in the comments below.
