Highball

The highball is considered one of the simplest but most effective concoctions in the cocktail world. Popularized in the late 19th century in America and England, it is based on the principle of extending a strong base drink with soda water. There are various theories about the origin of its name; the most common one is that it comes from railroad signals. At the time, the "high ball" signal used on train lines meant that the train could move fast. In bar culture, the name came to be used to describe long drinks that were served quickly. In time, it gained great popularity in Japan and the technique of preparing whisky highballs became an art, especially in Japanese bars. Today, the highball is served in many bars around the world as a classic cocktail that provides maximum refreshment with minimal ingredients.