The Añejo Highball is a complex rum-based cocktail. A new classic cocktail created by Dale DeGroff, a recognized genius and craftsman among bartenders, as a tribute to the great bartenders of Cuba, the Añejo joins all three of the “holy trinity” of rum drinks through a blend of curaçao, lime, and rum. It epitomizes the bartender’s creative art.

The Añejo is well on its way to becoming a classic cocktail, but it is still only to be found in the more chic and hip bars and nightspots. True to a great cocktail, it is relatively easy to make at home, following the recipe carefully.

Measuring and playing with recipes is not uncommon —and is often welcome. But the Añejo is one cocktail that cannot be improved upon. Añejo rum is a golden blend of rich, aged rums with a mellow taste and rich aroma. The name is derived from an ancient Spanish word meaning “aged.”

(Adapted from Dale DeGroff.)

This recipe was featured as part of our Make Your Own Soda Pop project. For more, try our basic highball, a whiskey and ginger ale drink.

  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: Under 5 mins 
  • Active: Under 5 mins

Ingredients (5)

  • 1 1/2 ounces añejo rum
  • 1/2 ounce curaçao
  • 2 ounces Ginger Beer
  • 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
  • Orange and lime wheels

Instructions

  1. Pour the rum, curaçao, and ginger beer into a highball glass with ice cubes.
  2. Add the bitters, stir, and garnish the rim with the fruit.