Courtesy of Dewar’s.

Origins of the Highball (cocktail, not the glass) are rumored to be in the Midwest, specifically St. Louis. On some rail lines, if an engineer spotted a large steel ball resting upon an approaching signal pole, it was a sign that he should speed up. From that, the word “highball” evolved to mean a quickly prepared drink. Courtesy of Dewar’s.

This fine after dinner digestif will settle your stomach and freshen your breath

1 1/2 oz. Vodka
3/4 oz. White Creme de Menthe

Combine in a highball glass filled with ice, stir.

The Whiskey Sour, is arguably the most popular of the Sour Family of classic cocktails. People have been drinking whiskey sours for well over 150 years, having sprung up it the 1850′s or 1860′s.  The first print mention of a Whiskey Sour recipe appeared in a Waukesha, Wisconsin newspaper in 1870. 

The Rusty Nail is a classic anytime cocktail. This two liquor drink combines a fine scotch with the sweet honey taste of Drambuie, a scotch-based liqueur from, where else, Scotland! It is mostly served on the rocks, but can also be enjoyed up!

Bill says, “This is NOT for shooting. This is for sipping!” Thanks, Bill!

Please raise a glass to the greatest island in the world! Photo by Jackson Stakeman, originally published in DIY Cocktails.

Invented for railway workers in a hurry in the 1890s, highballs became wildly popular in the 1920s. Named after a railway signal for trains in a hurry, this cocktail can be quickly made right in the glass, hence it’s popularity in the 20s. This classic cocktail remains a staple to today.