Barsys
Garnet Highball
About
In the days before Diwali, jewellery shops stay open late. Families queue for gold coins, new bangles and the odd heirloom-to-be, because buying something precious at this time of year is considered good luck. The Garnet Highball borrows its name from one of those precious stones, and it has the colour to match: a deep, glowing red that looks like it belongs in a velvet box.
Pomegranate gives it that jewel tone, along with a tart, juicy flavour that feels right at home in an Indian autumn. Lychee softens the tartness with a gentle, floral sweetness, and the two fruits together taste fuller and rounder than either would alone. Dark rum brings warmth and a soft caramel depth. A squeeze of lemon sharpens it, and a top of chilled soda stretches it into a long, sparkling drink you can enjoy over a whole evening.
Of all the drinks on this menu, this is the most relaxed. It’s tall, easy and endlessly refreshing, the one guests reach for again and again without even noticing.
Shaken or Stirred?
Neither shaker nor mixing glass is needed. Everything is built straight into the glass over plenty of ice, given a good stir to bring the rum and juices together, and then lengthened with soda. A final gentle lift with the spoon is all it takes to keep the bubbles lively.
What You'll Need
For one Garnet Highball:
- 45 ml dark rum
- 45 ml pomegranate juice
- 30 ml lychee juice
- 10 ml lemon juice
- Ice Cubes
Glass: Highball
Garnish: Pomegranate seeds, lemon twist and Soda, to top (about 60 ml)
Pro tip: To get pomegranate seeds out without the mess, cut the fruit in half, hold one half cut-side down over a bowl and tap the back firmly with a wooden spoon. The seeds drop straight out, and your festive outfit stays stain-free. A small spoonful in each glass is plenty.
How to Make It
Prep time: 2 minutes
Skill level: Easy
- Fill a highball glass to the top with ice.
- Pour in the dark rum, pomegranate juice, lychee juice and lemon juice.
- Stir well for a few seconds.
- Top with chilled soda.
- Scatter pomegranate seeds over the top, add a lemon twist and serve.
Using Barsys Cocktail Machine?
When the house is full, highballs disappear fast, and the host usually ends up stuck behind the bar. The Barsys 360 changes that. Its six canisters keep the rum, pomegranate, lychee and lemon chilled for hours, and the moment a glass of ice is placed in the centre, it pours all four in the right proportion. Add soda, drop in a few seeds, and the next guest is served in under a minute.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys Ai app.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Long drinks hide their mistakes well, but only up to a point. Too much rum and a guest is caught off guard. Too little and the drink tastes like juice. And when two juices share the glass, it’s easy for one of them to take over.
With Barsys, the proportions never wander. Every highball holds the same jewel-red colour, the same balance of tart and sweet, and the same gentle warmth, no matter how many you pour.
Sip Setting
The doorbell hasn’t stopped ringing, plates of starters are going round, and every corner of the house has its own little group laughing and catching up. This is the Garnet Highball’s moment. It’s light enough to enjoy for hours, colourful enough to suit a festive table, and simple enough that you can keep pouring without missing the fun.
Garnish Game
A scattering of pomegranate seeds floats and sinks through the drink like tiny rubies, adding colour and an occasional burst of juice. A curl of lemon peel on the rim brings a fresh citrus scent. Together they turn a simple highball into something that looks as precious as its name.
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FAQs
Can I use white rum instead of dark rum?
Yes. White rum makes the drink lighter and crisper, while dark rum adds warmth and caramel notes that suit the festive mood.
Why mix lychee with pomegranate?
Pomegranate brings tartness and colour, while lychee adds soft, floral sweetness. Together they create a fuller, more balanced flavour.
How much soda should I add?
About 60 ml is ideal. Add a little more for a lighter drink, or less if you want the fruit flavours to stand out.
Is the Garnet Highball sweet?
It’s lightly sweet and pleasantly tart. Lemon and soda keep it fresh rather than sugary.
Can I prepare it ahead of a party?
Mix the rum and juices in advance and keep them chilled. Add ice and soda only when serving, so each glass stays fizzy.
Is it a strong drink?
Not very. The juices and soda make it a light, easy-drinking cocktail, ideal for sipping through a long evening.