The Gin Rickey is a classic cocktail first mixed in Washington, D.C. This mixed drink is made by combining gin, lime juice and club soda. If you’re a gin lover who prefers simple cocktails, this might be the perfect recipe for you. This drink is famous for its mention in The Great Gatsby, but it’s easier to mix up than you would probably guess.
More mixed drinks: Gin and Tonic, Dirty Shirley, Vodka Tonic, Ranch Water, Spaghett.
Ingredients
- Gin – Choose your favorite quality gin, such as Hendrick’s gin.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed is essential for this recipe.
- Club Soda – Or any unflavored sparkling water.
The best type of glassware to serve a Gin Rickey in is a highball glass. Garnish with lime wedges or slices of lime.
History
The Gin Rickey was created by Democratic lobbyist Joe Rickey, who lived in Washington, D.C. Rickey asked the bartender to created a sugar-free drink for him using bourbon, soda water and lime. This is the Bourbon Rickey and the Gin Rickey was invented shortly after and has been a popular gin drink ever since.
Instructions
Begin by filling a highball glass with ice. Next, pour gin and lime juice over the ice.
Top with club soda.
Garnish with lime slices or a twist of lime.
Tips for Making
- Flavor Ideas – For flavored variations, you can use a flavored seltzer water or add an ounce of syrup (such as grenadine or mint simple syrup).
- Garnish Ideas – Try adding fresh mint, a maraschino cherry or more lime slices throughout the drink for added garnish. You may also use other herbs such as rosemary or lavender to garnish this drink.
More Gin Cocktails to Try
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Gin Rickey?
A Gin Rickey cocktail is made using just three ingredients: gin, lime juice and club soda.
What is the difference between a Gin Rickey and a Tom Collins?
A Gin Rickey and Tom Collins are similar with the main difference being the Tom Collins includes simple syrup where the Gin Rickey does not contain added sugar. The Tom Collins uses lemons while the Gin Rickey recipe prefers limes.
What is the difference between a Gin Rickey and a Gin and Tonic?
The only difference between these two drinks is the mixer. The Gin Rickey calls for club soda while the Gin and Tonic calls for tonic water.
Gin Rickey
Equipment
-
1 highball glass
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- ½ ounce lime juice
- 3-4 ounces club soda to top
Instructions
-
Begin by filling a highball glass with ice. Next, pour gin and lime juice over the ice.
-
Top with club soda.
-
Garnish with lime slices or a twist of lime.
Notes
- Flavor Ideas – For flavored variations, you can use a flavored seltzer water or add an ounce of syrup (such as grenadine or mint simple syrup).
- Garnish Ideas – Try adding fresh mint, a maraschino cherry or more lime slices throughout the drink for added garnish. You may also use other herbs such as rosemary or lavender to garnish this drink.