The Anejo Highball

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
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Updated on 04/23/21
Dale DeGroff's Anejo Highball Cocktail
Bill Boch / Getty Images
Prep: 3 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 3 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Yield: 1 cocktail

The Anejo Highball is one of the great modern cocktails and it's one that everyone should try and every bartender should know. Dale DeGroff created the drink in 2000 as a tribute to Cuban bartenders of the ​early 1900s.

The añejo (or old) rum really makes this drink, so it's best not to skimp on that ingredient or the orange curaçao for that matter (Cointreau is a worthy substitute). This is simply a ​great mixed drink, especially for summer or anytime you want a taste of the Caribbean without getting too fruity.

Ingredients

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Build the rum, curaçao, lime juice, and bitters in a highball glass filled with ice.

  3. Top with ginger beer.

  4. Garnish with the orange and lime. Serve and enjoy.

Why You Should Know the Name Dale DeGroff

Dale DeGroff is one of the masters of modern mixology. His nickname is 'King Cocktail,' and he has been instrumental in transforming the modern cocktail scene with his decades of experience behind the bar. He has also authored a number of bartending guides, including "The Craft of the Cocktail" which is essential for any bartender's library.

Many of today's best bartenders look up to DeGroff as a legend and he has developed a number of fantastic cocktails. Among those are two that we should consider 'modern classics.'

Both the Anejo Highball and Irish Blond have that classic styling we love about well-crafted cocktails, they're simply new additions to the scene. They show off DeGroff's skill and style and are truly memorable drinks.

The Irish Blond is a simple mix of 2 ounces Michael Collins Irish Whiskey, 3/4 ounce orange curaçao, 1/4 ounce Fino sherry, and a dash of orange bitters. It is stirred, then strained into a cocktail glass before a flamed orange peel is expressed over the drink.

How Strong Is the Anejo Highball?

The Anejo Highball weighs in around 17 percent ABV (28 proof), which makes it a nice casual drink for a happy hour and lazy afternoons. 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
207 Calories
0g Fat
22g Carbs
1g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 207
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 7mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 34mg 171%
Calcium 33mg 3%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 116mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)