Dundee Highball Soda Cocktail recipe
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Dundee Highball Soda is a rum-forward, citrus-bright highball that leans into easy, modern mixed-drink territory rather than a storied classic. You’ll find it sits comfortably in the long-drink family: spirit, citrus, a touch of sweetness, and a sparkling top-up designed for relaxed sipping. With dark rum as the base and a vivid liqueur accent, it reads like a contemporary bar creation built for colour, lift, and straightforward balance.
On the palate, the dark rum brings depth and warmth, while blue curaçao adds a sweet orange note that plays neatly with the lemon juice’s sharp tang. The sugar or simple syrup smooths the edges, rounding out the citrus so it tastes bright rather than biting. Topped with soda water, everything opens up: the bubbles lighten the rum and stretch the orange-lemon interplay into a crisp, refreshing finish.
Serve it when you want something tall, fizzy, and spirit-led without feeling heavy—ideal for casual evenings, sunny afternoons, or as a simple party pour. If you enjoy rum and citrus but prefer a longer, more refreshing drink than a short sour, this one fits the bill, especially when you’re after an easygoing, crowd-friendly option in a whisky glass.
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Whisky glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Dark rum leads with molasses depth, lifted by blue curaçao’s orange sweetness and sharpened by lemon juice, while simple syrup rounds the edges and soda water stretches everything into a bright, fizzy sip. It works because the lemon acidity and bubbles keep the rum-and-curaçao sweetness from cloying, making it ideal for rum lovers who want an easy, citrusy highball.
Method
How to make a Dundee Highball Soda
- Dark rum 60ml, Blue curaçao 15ml, Lemon juice 10ml, Soda water Top up, Sugar / simple syrup 10ml
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- Pour two teaspoons of sugar syrup, half a shot of Bols blue curaçao, two shots of dark rum and two teaspoons of lemon juice into a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well and strain into a whisky glass
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- Top up with soda water and serve
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FAQ's
How do I properly shake the Dundee Highball Soda cocktail to achieve the best flavor?
To properly shake the Dundee Highball Soda, first, chill your whisky glass in the freezer. Combine the lemon juice, dark rum, sugar syrup, and Blue Curaçao in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly. This method ensures the flavors meld together perfectly, resulting in a smoothly blended cocktail with a balanced taste.
What is the best way to serve the Dundee Highball Soda to enhance its presentation?
The Dundee Highball Soda should be served in a chilled whisky glass for the best presentation. After shaking the ingredients, strain the mixture into the glass and top it up with soda water. For an extra touch, you can add a lemon slice or a maraschino cherry on the rim or float a thin lemon wheel inside the drink. Serving it with a long straw and a cocktail stirrer also enhances the drinking experience.
How does the alcohol content of the Dundee Highball Soda compare to other popular cocktails?
The Dundee Highball Soda has an alcohol content of 11.41%, which makes it a moderately strong cocktail. Compared to other popular cocktails, it's stronger than a classic Mojito (about 10%) but less potent than a traditional Margarita (around 14-15%). This makes the Dundee Highball Soda a great choice for those who prefer a cocktail that's not too strong but still offers a noticeable kick.
Can I substitute another type of rum for dark rum in the Dundee Highball Soda?
Yes, you can substitute another type of rum for dark rum in the Dundee Highball Soda depending on the flavor profile you prefer. Light rum will make the cocktail lighter and slightly sweeter, while spiced rum will add a warm, spicy note. Each type of rum brings a different character to the drink, so feel free to experiment to find your perfect combination.
Is the Dundee Highball Soda suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the Dundee Highball Soda is generally suitable for a gluten-free diet as none of the primary ingredients inherently contain gluten. However, it's important to check the specific brands of dark rum, Blue Curaçao, and other components for any added flavors or processing agents that may contain gluten. Always consult with the manufacturer or your healthcare advisor if you have concerns about gluten or any other dietary restrictions.
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