"highball" news and stories

Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things, most recently the owner of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label called Red Hook Rye and been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.

Japanese culture offers a cocktail idea to keep sippers cool without knocking them over the heads with alcohol. The "chuhai" is a simple summery drink with fresh juice or soda and the Japanese distilled spirit "shochu." (The name is a shortened form of "shochu highball.") Shochu, like vodka, can be made from about anything, such as rice, barley, sweet potatoes and even sesame seeds. It is light in alcohol (around 25 percent ABV), making it a great "session" drink for a long, lazy afternoon.

Do people still drink this? It's a classic drink (I remember it was a mainstay in my family years ago, when we had any kind of holiday party), but I don't think I've heard anyone order one in 20 years. Esquire has the classic recipe. It sounds simple, but if you get the mix wrong, it just won't come out right:

• use a tall, narrow mouth glass, at least 12 oz.
• put in two or three ice cubes
• pour in whiskey (you can use something else, but it's what is usually used)
• pour in seltzer or club soda.

Should be served cold so the ice doesn't melt. And don't stir it!