Añejo rum is a type of rum that is aged for at least a few years in an oak barrel.

Añejo Highball


What is Añejo Highball?

Añejo highball is a type of rum that is aged for at least a few years in an oak barrel. It lends its name to the añejo highball, which is made with añejo rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, Angostura bitters, and ginger beer.

  • This cocktail is a type of highball, which is a drink that contains a spirit and carbonated beverage served in a tall glass.
  • It has a mellow taste and a rich aroma, with around 17 percent ABV.

Some other popular ginger beer based cocktails include:

  • Moscow Mule
  • Dark and Stormy
  • Añejo Highball
  • Gin Gin Mule
  • Irish Ale
  • El Diablo
  • Foghorn
  • Christi Extreme
  • Broad Stripes and Bright Stars
  • Skeleton Key

Origin of añejo highball

This cocktail was invented in the early 1990s by Dale DeGroff, an American bartender. He invented it as a tribute to the Cuban cocktail mixers of the late 19th and early 20th century. The cocktail itself is based on the traditional Caribbean mix of rum and ginger beer. Also, the orange curaçao is a classic Caribbean ingredient. Today, this cocktail remains a staple for añejo lovers looking to enjoy this rum in a light and refreshing way.

Nutrition

The nutritional profile for Añejo Highball (1 serving) is:

Ginger contains healthy anti-inflammatory and immune-nutrition properties, which can help in reducing fatigue, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and digestive health. In addition, ginger can help in combating various types of cancer and cell-related diseases. However, ginger beer also contains large amounts of sugar, which can lead to detrimental effects when consumed in excess. 

Lime juice contains a high concentration of vitamin C, which keeps the immune system healthy. Other nutrients that limes contain include iron, calcium, vitamin B6, thiamine, and potassium. Also, lime juice provides antibacterial, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties, which are excellent for good health. In addition, lime juice can help protect the heart, liver, bone, as well as prevent urinary diseases.

Rum, orange curaçao, and Angostura bitters are high in alcohol content. Overconsumption of large amounts of alcohol can lead to several health problems, including affecting the brain’s functioning patterns and general lowering of immunity. Additionally, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, high blood pressure, stroke, and different types of cancers can result from drinking too much alcohol. However, consumed in moderation, the liqueur is a nice addition to the palate. 

Commercial production

To prepare an añejo highball, the ingredients required are añejo rum, orange curaçao, fresh lime juice, Angostura bitters, and ginger beer. Also, it must be served in a tall highball glass. First, the glass is filled with ice and then the rum, lime juice, curaçao, and bitters are poured in. Finally, the ginger beer is added at the end and the mixture is stirred. An orange slice is the usual garnish for this cocktail.

Añejo highball recipes

When preparing the añejo highball, it is recommended to use a spicy ginger beer. However, the rum need not be expensive or high-quality due to the fact that it blends in with the other ingredients. Here are a few recipes to try:

FDA regulations

The TTB defines rum as spirits distilled from the fermented juice of sugar cane, sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses or other sugarcane by-products at less than 95% alcohol by volume. Orange Curaçao is classified as a liqueur/cordial and is defined as an orange flavored liqueur/cordial. Angostura bitter has no specific standard of identity but angostura is classified under substances recognized as safe.

The FDA has strict regulations regarding the content of soft drinks to ensure that they are safe, sanitary, and properly labeled. Nonetheless, there are no grade standards for ginger root specified by either FDA or USDA but Hawaiian grade standards are taken as a guide. The FDA regulates all fruit juices and citrus juices, including lime juice. It is specified that lime juice must have at least 24.5 percent concentration. 

References

Simon Difford, How to Make the Perfect Highball, Highballs, Difford’s Guide for Discerning Drinkers, https://www.diffordsguide.com/g/1086/highballs/how-to-make 

Carol Galbicsek, Effects of Alcohol, Alcohol Rehab Guide, https://www.alcoholrehabguide.org/alcohol/effects/