Rickey Cocktail Recipe
Rickey Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:7g
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
Contents
History
The Rickey cocktail was created in the late 19th century by Colonel Joe Rickey, a prominent lobbyist in Washington D.C. It was originally made with bourbon, but later variations used gin or other spirits. The drink became popular during the Prohibition era due to its refreshing and easy-to-make nature.
- The Rickey was first made at Shoomaker's Bar in Washington D.C.
- It was named after Colonel Joe Rickey, who was known for his love of bourbon and entertaining guests.
- The drink gained popularity during Prohibition as a simple and refreshing alternative to more complex cocktails.
How Rickey Tastes?
The Rickey cocktail is a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet drink with a hint of citrus. It has a light, crisp taste that is perfect for warm weather or as a palate cleanser.
Interesting facts about Rickey
- The Rickey is considered an 'eye-opener' cocktail, often consumed in the morning or early afternoon.
- In 2011, the Rickey was named the official cocktail of Washington D.C.
- The Rickey is sometimes referred to as a 'Gin Rickey' when made with gin instead of bourbon.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime: 1
- Club soda: 4 oz(120ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: As needed
A few good options for Rickey are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
The gin is the backbone of the Rickey, giving it the essential botanical flavors that mingle so nicely with the lime. 2 oz is just enough to assert its presence without overwhelming the other ingredients. Without it, you'd basically have a mocktail or a lime soda—certainly not a Rickey.
Alex Green
Lime
Fresh lime juice provides a zesty citrus kick that cuts through the gin's complexity, and is a non-negotiable in the Rickey—after all, a Rickey without lime is like a day without sunshine! It also adds balance to the sweetness.
Emma Rose
Club Soda
The 4 oz of club soda gives our Rickey its refreshing effervescence. If skipped, you'd lose the fizz that lightens up the cocktail and makes it so quaffable.
Mary Mitkina
Simple Syrup
Half an ounce of simple syrup might seem small, but it's just enough to sweeten the pot without turning the drink into a sugar bomb. It's the peacemaker between the gin's botanicals and the lime's tartness.
Alex Green
Ice
Ice is the unsung hero that keeps everything cool and dilutes the drink to perfection as it melts. Without enough ice, your Rickey could become a lukewarm mess.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Rickey Drink
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime into the glass.
- Add 2 oz of gin and 0.5 oz of simple syrup.
- Top with 4 oz of club soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Chill your glass before preparing the cocktail to keep it cool longer.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients without losing the carbonation of the club soda.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
- Oysters: The briny, fresh flavor of oysters complements the Rickey's citrus and botanical notes.
- Grilled Shrimp: A light smokiness from grilled shrimp pairs well with the bright, zesty lime.
Salads
- Goat Cheese Salad: The creaminess of goat cheese is cut through by the Rickey's acidity.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with a crispness that mirrors the effervescence of the cocktail.
Spicy Dishes
- Thai Green Curry: The Rickey's citrus notes can stand up to and alleviate the heat from spicy curries.
- Jerk Chicken: The drink's acidity and sweetness can soothe the spice, making each bite moreish.
Snacks
- Salted Nuts: Salt enhances the cocktail's flavors while the drink cleanses the palate.
- Chips and Guacamole: The Rickey cuts through the richness of the avocado.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Rickey
- Gin: Can be replaced with bourbon or vodka.
- Simple Syrup: Can be replaced with honey or agave syrup.
- Club Soda: Can be replaced with tonic water for a slightly bitter taste.
Explore all drinks starting with R here
And of course - twists🍹
Cucumber Rickey
- Add 3-4 slices of fresh cucumber to the glass before the ice.
The cucumber adds a garden-fresh crispness, making the Rickey even more refreshing. It feels spa-like and boosts the botanical aspects of the gin.
Bourbon Rickey
- Use 2 oz of bourbon instead of gin.
The Rickey gets a Southern twist—woodsy and warm, the bourbon makes the drink richer and robust, perfect for a late evening soiree.
Hibiscus Rickey
- Infuse the simple syrup with dried hibiscus flowers.
This twist brings a floral tartness and vibrant color to the Rickey, making for an exotic and visually stunning cocktail suited for a festive occasion.
In case you forgot basics how to make 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 syrupInsert 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 stirGarnishing 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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Rickey
What is the best gin to use for a Rickey cocktail?
Premium brands like Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, or Hendrick's are excellent choices for a Rickey cocktail. However, you can use any gin you prefer. The choice of gin will impact the flavor more subtly in a mixed drink like this.
Is there any special technique to squeeze a lime?
Use a citrus juicer for best results. Simply, cut a lime in half and squeeze it with the juicer. If you don't have a juicer, use your hands. Before cutting, roll the lime against the counter with a little pressure to release the juice inside easier.
What else can I garnish the Rickey cocktail with?
While lime wheel is a classic garnish for the Rickey cocktail, you can also use a sprig of mint or a slice of cucumber for some added flavor and visual appeal.
What's the logical quantity of cocktails one can drink?
It depends heavily on the person and the context. Generally, moderate drinking for healthy adults means up to one drink a day for individual assigned female at birth (AFAB) and up to two drinks a day for individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB). It's essential to consider your health, personal tolerance levels, and the potential risks before deciding to consume alcohol.
Are there non-alcoholic versions of the Rickey cocktail?
Yes, you can make a 'virgin' Rickey by simply omitting the gin and using more club soda or adding some tonic water for flavor. You could also use a non-alcoholic gin substitute.
More similar recipes to Rickey!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Pink Lady
The Pink Lady has a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The gin provides a subtle, herbal undertone, while the grenadine and egg white create a smooth, velvety texture.
Caipiroska
Caipiroska is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart cocktail. The combination of lime, sugar, and vodka creates a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The muddled lime adds a burst of citrus, while the sugar helps to soften the acidity.
Purple Haze
The Purple Haze cocktail is a fruity, sweet, and slightly tart drink with a hint of sourness. The combination of raspberry liqueur, vodka, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and refreshing flavor profile.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz has a refreshing, bittersweet taste with a hint of citrus. It is light, effervescent, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Paloma
The Paloma cocktail has a refreshing, tart, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates a balanced and zesty flavor profile, while the addition of soda water adds a light, effervescent texture.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Screwdriver
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Negroni
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Seabreeze
The Seabreeze cocktail is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart drink. It has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the grapefruit juice. The cranberry juice adds a touch of sweetness, while the vodka provides a smooth, clean finish.
El Diablo
El Diablo has a complex and well-balanced taste, with a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The tequila provides a strong and smooth base, while the ginger beer adds a spicy and effervescent kick. The lime juice brings a refreshing tartness, and the crème de cassis adds a touch of fruity sweetness.