The Modest Tumbler - History, Etiquette & Top 5 Drinks

Here we are going to delve deeper into into British drink etiquette, and highlight the top 5 most popular drinks associated with the Highball Tumbler and Old Fashioned Glass:

**Highball Tumbler:**

- **History:** The Highball Tumbler, characterized by its tall, slender profile, emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. Interestingly, its name originated from the practice of marking the "high point" of the alcoholic spirit in the glass before adding soda or water, reflecting the meticulous art of cocktail preparation.

- **Popular Dimensions:** Highball Tumblers typically come in dimensions ranging from 12 to 16 ounces (350 to 470 ml), with a height of about 5 to 6 inches (12.7 to 15.2 cm).

- **British Etiquette:** In British drinking culture, the Highball Tumbler is embraced for its versatility. Etiquette tips include serving drinks like a classic "Gin and Tonic" or "Pimm's Cup" in a Highball Tumbler. To maintain the integrity of the fizz in highball cocktails, gently stir, and ensure the glass is filled with ice before adding the mixer. Remember to garnish sparingly, perhaps with a citrus slice or a sprig of mint.

- **Top 5 Most Popular Drinks:**
1. **Gin and Tonic**: The quintessential British highball drink, featuring gin, tonic water, and a dash of lime or lemon.
2. **Whiskey Highball**: A simple blend of whiskey and soda, a favorite for those who prefer their spirits light.
3. **Tom Collins**: A zesty classic with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and soda, served over ice.
4. **Mojito**: A refreshing Cuban cocktail composed of white rum, fresh lime juice, mint leaves, sugar, and soda.
5. **Cuba Libre**: A spirited highball with rum, cola, and lime juice, often garnished with a lime wedge.

**Old Fashioned Glass:**

- **History:** The Old Fashioned Glass, also known as a lowball glass, boasts a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Its name is synonymous with the "Old Fashioned" cocktail, one of the oldest known cocktails and a true classic.

- **Popular Dimensions:** Old Fashioned Glasses typically hold 8 to 12 ounces (240 to 355 ml) and have a height of about 3.5 to 4.5 inches (8.9 to 11.4 cm).

- **British Etiquette:** In British drinking circles, the Old Fashioned Glass is cherished for its role in enjoying spirits in their purest form. Etiquette tips include serving revered classics like the "Old Fashioned," "Negroni," or "Whiskey Sour" in this glass. When crafting an Old Fashioned, muddle ingredients gently, use a single large ice cube, and garnish sparingly, often with a twist of citrus peel.

- **Top 5 Most Popular Drinks:**
1. **Old Fashioned**: A timeless blend of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, served over ice.
2. **Whiskey Sour**: A harmonious mix of whiskey, lemon juice, sugar, and a touch of egg white, shaken and served over ice.
3. **Negroni**: A sophisticated Italian cocktail featuring gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, served over ice with an orange twist.
4. **Rusty Nail**: A robust combination of Scotch whisky and Drambuie liqueur, often served over ice.
5. **Sazerac**: A New Orleans classic made with rye whiskey, sugar, Peychaud's bitters, and a rinse of absinthe, served in an Old Fashioned Glass.

Understanding the history, dimensions, and etiquette associated with these glasses adds a layer of appreciation to the art of cocktail crafting and sipping, whether you're in the heart of Britain or enjoying these libations worldwide.