The Long and the Short of It

The Long and the Short of It

I’ve been hearing more sophisticated bar patrons using  two terms that haven’t been heard in bar circles for a while – long drink and short drink, but they appear to be having a revival.  A long drink (or tall drink) is a mixed cocktail with a relatively large volume — usually five to nine fluid ounces.


The long drink is served in a tall glass full of mixer and usually ice, perfect for warmer days, as opposed to a short drink, in which the liquor is the main ingredient. –roz edward


The PIMMS Original – A classic long cocktail.

Take along drink glass and fill it with ice. Mix 1 part PIMM’S* No.1 with 3 parts chilled lemonade. Add mint, cucumber, orange and strawberry.


These basic cocktails composed of one liquor, one mixer, and perhaps a garnish over ice, are often referred to as “highballs” — an old term for fastball, from the speed at which the drinks could be served from the bar.

The “lowball” also only has 1 or 2 spirits or mixers and is served on the rocks, but with less volume — 1 to 4 ounces. They are usually served in an old-fashioned glass and are sometimes preferred “up” in a cocktail glass or shaken.

The Negroni – Wait before you get it twisted, this drink was created and named for Count Cammillo Negroni in the 1920’s when he ordered an Americano with gin at Cafe Casoni in Florence, Italy.

1 1/2 ounces Bombay Sapphire gin         The Long and the Short of It 1 1/2 ounces Campari                                                                                                                                                          1  ounce of sweet vermouth                                                                                                                                                Orange slice or twist for garnish

And here’s the best of both worlds — a long drink served like a “lowball.”  Weighing in perfectly at 41/2 ounces the Absolut® Rickshaw from Absolut® is made with the company’s newest flavor. Absolut Orient Apple mixes the sweet character of crisp red, green and yellow apples with a spike of fresh ginger. This drink was created exclusively for Atlanta’s Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week but of course you can make this delicious drink for yourself at home.

The Long and the Short of It

2 ounces  Absolut Orient Apple                                                                                          ½ ounces Cranberry Juice

2 ounces  Ginger Ale                                                                                                               Serve over ice.

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