Old Mandalay Highball – Rum, Citrus & Ginger Ale

A rum highball with a twist of history and spice, the Old Mandalay takes you on a journey through layered flavors—smooth rums, zesty citrus, and a lively ginger sparkle—all in one tall glass.

Background

The name “Old Mandalay” hints at the romantic imagery of Myanmar’s last royal capital, long celebrated in poetry and song. While the drink’s true origin remains uncertain, the style is unmistakably colonial-era inspired—where East met West in verandah cocktails built for warm evenings. The use of both light and aged rum recalls tiki traditions, while the citrus and ginger ale bring refreshing balance and an easy-drinking quality.

What You’ll Need

• Light Rum – The smooth, neutral foundation that keeps the drink light and refreshing.
• Añejo Rum – Aged complexity with notes of caramel and vanilla that deepen the profile.
• Orange Juice – Natural sweetness and sunny citrus character to balance the richness of the rums.
• Lemon Juice – Bright acidity that sharpens the blend and adds a refreshing tang.
• Ginger Ale – Effervescent and lightly spiced, it lifts the cocktail and adds a satisfying fizz.
• Lemon Twist – A final aromatic garnish that ties the citrus and ginger together.

Sweet Heat in a Highball

What makes this drink stand out is the contrast of flavors—sweet rum, tangy citrus, and the spicy snap of ginger ale. Each sip evolves on the palate, making it more intriguing than a simple rum and soda. It’s tropical without being overly sweet, layered without being complicated, and approachable enough for casual sipping.

Substitutions & Variations

• Light Rum → Swap for white rum for a stronger sugarcane punch, or coconut rum for a tropical accent.
• Añejo Rum → Dark rum or spiced rum can be used for depth and warmth.
• Ginger Ale → Try ginger beer for a bolder spice kick, or club soda with a splash of ginger syrup for a DIY twist.
• Citrus Variations → Grapefruit juice can add a pleasantly bitter edge, while pineapple juice brings extra tropical flair.

Helpful Tips

• Glassware: Serve in a chilled highball glass to keep the fizz lively.
• Garnish: A wide lemon twist expressed over the glass enhances both aroma and presentation.
• Batching: You can pre-mix the rums and citrus in a pitcher, then top each serving with fresh ginger ale.
• Pairing: Excellent alongside spicy Asian dishes, fried snacks, or grilled seafood—the citrus and ginger cut through rich flavors beautifully.