What does the “highball glass” primarily represent in cocktail terminology?

In cocktail terminology, the "highball glass" primarily represents cocktails with higher proportions of non-alcoholic mixtures. This type of glass is typically tall and cylindrical, designed to hold drinks that are mixed with a significant amount of mixer, such as soda, tonic water, or juice, along with a spirit.

It is commonly used for refreshing beverages like the classic Whiskey Highball, which consists of whiskey and a large amount of ginger ale or soda. The emphasis on non-alcoholic components differentiates highball drinks from other types of cocktails, which may have more balanced alcohol-to-mixer ratios or be served in different glassware. Thus, the defining characteristic of drinks served in a highball glass is that they are typically more diluted and refreshing compared to cocktails that focus primarily on the spirit itself.