What defines highball cocktails?

Highball cocktails are defined by their presentation and preparation, which typically involve long drinks served over cubed ice. This style of cocktail emphasizes refreshing flavors and is often made with a spirit and a larger volume of a mixer, such as soda or tonic water, creating a balanced and easy-to-drink beverage. The use of cubed ice is essential, as it helps to chill the drink effectively and dilutes it slightly as the ice melts, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

In contrast, short drinks served in small glasses refer to a different category, typically associated with spirit-forward cocktails that are meant to be consumed in smaller amounts. Shaken cocktails served in a chilled glass are also not characteristic of highballs, as they often involve a different preparation method, typically resulting in a frothy texture without the cube ice element. Lastly, drinks with high sugar content do not define a highball. Highballs focus more on the refreshing nature and the balance of the base spirit with the mixer rather than the sugar content alone.