The kitty highball is a low alcohol aperitif made with red wine, ginger syrup, lime juice, and soda water or seltzer. Ideal for all night—or all day—sipping.
Kitty Highball
Ingredients
Directions
In a cocktail shaker, combine the wine, ginger syrup, and lime juice. (Alternatively, make a big batch of the wine mixture and stash it in the fridge for aperitif emergencies.) Add a small piece of cracked ice and shake until chilled, 2 to 3 minutes.
Strain into a collins glass filled with ice, top with a splash of seltzer or soda water, and garnish with the candied ginger.
*HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN GINGER SYRUP
If you’d like to make your own ginger syrup, simply combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup fresh ginger juice in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Let cool completely before using. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 1 month.
Recipe Testers' Reviews
My first thought reading the recipe was, "Why adulterate good red wine?” Now I know the answer. The ginger flavor harmonized surprisingly well with the wine without being overly sweet. This drink was delightfully delicious and refreshing, and, in fact, my demanding tasters insisted I immediately make a second batch.
A confession: I cheated! I happened to have a bottle of ginger syrup made by "Alchemist's Elexir" (the only ingredients are fresh pressed ginger and pure cane syrup) which I used instead of making my own ginger syrup. The cheat was prompted by not knowing where to buy ginger juice and not owning a juice extractor to make my own.
I used Rotie Cellars 2013 Southern Blend from Washington State (75% grenache, 15% syrah, 10% Mourvedre).
Use LARGE pieces of candied ginger that can be anchored to the rim of the glass. The nubs I mistakenly used for garnish quickly sunk to the bottom of the glass, but gluttonously eating those cocktail-infused candied ginger nubs with a spoon after slurping down this cocktail was quite the unsophisticated but satisfying treat!
Try this delicious, light, fast, and easy cocktail soon. It’s a winner.
I loved this drink as it combines two of my most favorite flavors—red wine and ginger. I don't think I would like it as much using ginger ale but with the strong ginger syrup this drink is a winner. I also think it works for any season.
I was expecting a cocktail that packed more of a punch. What I ended up with was a light refresco that was a red wine spritzer with a bit of a ginger zing. The cocktail is very refreshing and I can imagine it to be a thirst-quencher on a hot summer's day—not too sweet at all!
I tried this recipe twice. The first time I divided the recipe into two servings. Far too light and watered down and I didn't like it at all. The second time I used the same amount of the ingredients (except for the seltzer) but used it for ONE cocktail. Better. I used Cabernet Sauvignon.
In the future, I think I will combine the wine, syrup, and lime juice and chill in the fridge ahead of time if I know I am going to make the cocktail and especially if I am going to make a large batch.
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Perfect timing! I am cutting back on calories at the beginning of this new year, as are many people I know, and in general lightening up. Yet, I would miss an evening cocktail! This was perfect to satisfy my evening craving for sipping and habit. I like the flavor — not too sweet for a spritzer. I had three over the course of the evening. Yes, as you said, an all-night sipper. Thank you!
You’re very welcome, Susan! Thrilled to hear that this satisfied your need! And yes, we, too, loved that it wasn’t too sweet. Cheers!