A drink made with liquor (usually whiskey) mixed with soda water, ginger ale, or another non-alcoholic drink served in a tall glass with ice. It's a common cocktail served in bars.
Likely from 'high' (referring to the tall glass used) and 'ball' (possibly from 'highball,' a railroad signal or from the verb meaning to move rapidly or 'at full tilt'). The term emerged in American English in the late 1800s, gaining popularity in bars and speakeasies. The exact origin of 'ball' in this context remains debated, but 'highball' as a drink definitely refers to the height of the serving glass.
The term 'highball' might connect to railroad signals—when a railroad gave the 'highball' signal (a raised ball), it meant 'go full speed ahead,' and bartenders may have named this drink as a wink to quickly consuming alcohol at full speed!
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