Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe

Lime Rickey Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:10g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Lime Rickey cocktail has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. It was originally a non-alcoholic beverage created by Joe Rickey, a prominent lobbyist in Washington D.C. The drink gained popularity during the Prohibition era, as it was easy to make and could be enjoyed without alcohol. Over time, the Lime Rickey evolved into a refreshing gin-based cocktail that is perfect for warm summer days.

How Lime Rickey Tastes?

The Lime Rickey is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail. It has a bright citrus flavor from the fresh lime juice, balanced by the subtle sweetness of the simple syrup. The gin adds a hint of herbal and floral notes, while the club soda gives it a light and effervescent finish.

Interesting facts about Lime Rickey

  • The Lime Rickey is often considered a 'cousin' to the Gin and Tonic, as both drinks feature gin and lime as key ingredients.
  • The non-alcoholic version of the Lime Rickey is still popular today, especially among kids and teetotalers.
  • The Lime Rickey has inspired many variations, including the Raspberry Rickey and the Cherry Lime Rickey.

Ingredients

A few good options for Lime Rickey are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Gin

2 oz of gin give this cocktail its boozy backbone and distinct botanical flavor—no gin, no fun! Too much gin and you might overpower the other flavors, too little and the drink loses its kick.

Emma Rose

Fresh Lime Juice

1 oz of fresh lime juice is crucial for tartness and zing. It's what makes a Lime Rickey lip-smackingly good. Bottled juice doesn't have the same fresh-picked punch.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

Just 0.5 oz to balance the lime’s tartness with sweetness. Skipping it may leave your drink too sour for some, but hey, maybe you like living on the tart side of life?

Alex Green

Club Soda

4 oz for a fizzy lift that makes the drink dance in your mouth. Flat soda is a party pooper, so keep it bubbly!

Emma Rose

Ice

It's all about keeping things cool without over-diluting. No ice means a warm, sad cocktail.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Wheel

For a zesty garnish that looks pretty and adds aroma. Edible art, if you will.

Alex Green

Garnish: Mint Sprig

Adds a pop of color and an inviting herbal scent. It's like a little green flag that says, 'Come and get me!'

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Lime Rickey Drink

  1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
  2. Add the gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the glass.
  3. Top with club soda and gently stir to combine.
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass before making the cocktail to keep it cold longer.
  • Adjust the simple syrup to taste. If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, use less syrup.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Seafood: A Lime Rickey, with its crisp and refreshing acidity, cuts through the richness of seafood like grilled shrimp or fish tacos.
  • Poultry: Try it with a light chicken salad or lemon-herb chicken for a delightful combination.
  • Snacks: Works well with salty snacks such as nuts or chips, because the effervescence cleanses the palate.

Drink Pairings

  • Bottled Water: It's always wise to stay hydrated while you sip on your cocktails.
  • Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic accompaniment that complements the lime's tartness.

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What you could change in Lime Rickey

  • Gin: Can be replaced with vodka for a different flavor profile.
  • Simple syrup: Can be replaced with agave nectar or honey.
  • Club soda: Can be replaced with tonic water for a slightly bitter taste.

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Berry Rickey

  • Ingredients: Replace gin with raspberry or blackberry liqueur.
  • Recipe: Follow the standard Lime Rickey recipe but with the berry liqueur for a sweet and fruity twist. This variation dances between tart and sweet, perfect for berry lovers!

Spicy Rickey

  • Ingredients: Add a slice of jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the original.
  • Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño slice in the glass before adding the ice, for a spicy kick that'll make your taste buds tango.

Herbal Rickey

  • Ingredients: Add a sprig of rosemary or basil to the mix.
  • Recipe: Muddle the herb in the glass before the ice, for a garden-fresh twist that's both aromatic and sophisticated. It's like sipping from Mother Nature's spice rack!

In case you forgot basics how to make Lime Rickey

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Lime Rickey

Can I make a Lime Rickey with other types of alcohol?

Yes, you can experiment with other types of alcohol like rum or tequila. Just bear in mind that changing the alcohol will result in different flavor profiles.

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?

While bottled lime juice can be used, fresh lime juice is recommended for a fresher and brighter flavor.

What kind of gin works best with a Lime Rickey?

Dry gin is typically used in the making of Lime Rickey. However, you could experiment with other types of gin, each will bring a unique flavor to the cocktail.

How should I store leftover Lime Rickey?

It's best to consume the cocktail immediately after preparation. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Do note that the taste might alter and the fizziness will likely reduce.

Can I make a bulk batch of Lime Rickey?

Yes, you can make a larger batch of Lime Rickey by simply increasing the measurements proportionately. It's a great option for parties or gatherings.

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