Wadliegh – Rum & Bourbon Dr. Pepper Highball

The Wadliegh is a modern highball that leans into contrast—rum and bourbon share the base while Dr. Pepper® brings sweetness, spice, and fizz. A touch of lime sharpens everything up, turning what could be a heavy mix into something crisp, balanced, and easy to drink.

Background

The Wadliegh doesn’t trace back to a classic cocktail book but fits squarely into early 2000s experimentation, when bartenders began mixing familiar spirits with unexpected soft drinks. Dr. Pepper®, with its layered spice and vanilla notes, became a natural mixer for creative highballs like this.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Rum – adds light sweetness and a subtle tropical edge
• Bourbon – brings vanilla, oak, and a rounded sweetness
• Lime Juice – cuts through the sweetness and tightens the balance
• Dr. Pepper® – delivers carbonation, sweetness, and complex spice notes

No lime? Use a small squeeze of lemon juice to keep the drink balanced.

Equipment

• Collins glass
• Bar spoon

Why This One Works

A Split Base That Actually Clicks

Rum and bourbon don’t usually share the spotlight, but here they complement each other. The soda ties them together, while lime keeps the finish from drifting too sweet.

Substitutions & Variations

• Use spiced rum for a warmer, more aromatic profile
• Swap bourbon for rye whiskey if you want a drier, spicier finish
• Try cherry cola for a softer, fruit-forward variation
• Add a dash of Angostura bitters for extra complexity

Helpful Tips

• Always add the soda last to keep the carbonation lively
• Use fresh lime juice—bottled versions flatten the drink
• Want it colder longer? Use large ice cubes to slow dilution
• Garnish with a lime wheel or cherry for a simple upgrade