The Ultimate Guide to Making a Perfect Gin Rickey Cocktail
The Gin Rickey is a cocktail that beautifully marries simplicity and sophistication. This guide aims...
Gin Rickey Cocktail recipe
Cocktail recipe
Rating
4.35 / 5
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You’ll find the Gin Rickey is a crisp, no-frills highball that sits right in the lineage of late-19th-century American refreshers....
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You’ll find the Gin Rickey is a crisp, no-frills highball that sits right in the lineage of late-19th-century American refreshers. It’s closely associated with Washington, D.C., where the “Rickey” style—spirit, fresh lime, and sparkling water—takes hold as a bracing alternative to sweeter mixed drinks. Over time, gin becomes the most enduring pairing, turning the template into a go-to warm-weather order that feels timeless: tall, fizzy, and sharply focused on citrus and spirit.
With just gin, half a lime, and soda water, the flavour is clean and direct. The lime brings bright acidity and a lightly bitter edge from the peel, which cuts through the gin’s botanicals and keeps the drink tasting dry. Soda water stretches everything out, lifting the aromatics and giving you a brisk, sparkling finish that stays refreshing rather than heavy.
Serve it when you want something fast, light, and palate-clearing—ideal for hot afternoons, early evenings, or as a reset between richer flavours. If you like your drinks unsweetened and zesty, this is your lane, and it’s especially satisfying when you’re after a long, easy sipper that still tastes unmistakably like gin.
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Base ingredient
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Gin
Calories
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110 calories
Garnish
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Lime
Alcohol content
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8% | 2.4 units units of alcohol *
Cocktail Colin says:
4/5
Gin leads with clean botanicals, sharpened by the bright, puckering juice from half a lime, while soda water stretches everything into a brisk, bubbly, citrus-forward sip. It works because the lime’s acidity lifts and defines the gin and the soda keeps it lean and thirst-quenching; ideal for drinkers who want a dry, refreshing highball without sweetness.
Method
How to make a Gin Rickey
Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
- Gin 60ml, Soda water Top up, Lime Half
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- In a tall glass, squeeze the juice of the lime and drop the shell into the glass
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- Pour the gin, then add ice
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- Top up with the sparkling water and stir
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- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve
Power tips
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Find out more- Use a high-quality gin with prominent botanical notes to enhance the flavor profile of your Gin Rickey. Something like a London Dry Gin will work exceptionally well.
- Instead of just squeezing the lime, muddle the lime shell in the glass after squeezing it. This will release the oils from the lime peel, adding an extra layer of citrus aroma and flavor.
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FAQ's
What is the history behind the Gin Rickey?
The Gin Rickey was created in Washington D.C. in the late 19th century. It is named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a lobbyist who frequented Shoomaker's bar where the drink was first made. Originally made with bourbon, the switch to gin became popular and the Gin Rickey emerged as a refreshing highball cocktail that gained popularity in the summer months.
Can I use a different type of gin for a Gin Rickey?
Yes, you can use different types of gin to make a Gin Rickey. London Dry Gin is commonly used for its crisp and dry flavor, but feel free to experiment with other types like American, Old Tom, or even flavored gins to add a unique twist to your drink.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Gin Rickey?
Yes, there is a non-alcoholic version known as the 'Virgin Rickey' or 'Mocktail Rickey.' Instead of gin, you can use a non-alcoholic gin substitute or simply increase the lime juice and tonic water proportions. You'll still enjoy the refreshing qualities of the original cocktail, but without the alcohol.
What's the difference between a Gin Rickey and a Gin and Tonic?
The main difference between a Gin Rickey and a Gin and Tonic lies in their composition. A Gin Rickey is made with gin, lime juice, and soda water, whereas a Gin and Tonic is made with gin, tonic water, and usually a lime wedge for garnish. The Gin Rickey is slightly tart and less sweet compared to the subtly sweet and quinine-flavored Gin and Tonic.
How should I garnish a Gin Rickey?
A Gin Rickey is traditionally garnished with a lime wedge or wheel. You can also add a sprig of mint for a refreshing aroma and an additional layer of flavor. The garnish not only makes the drink visually appealing but also enhances its fresh, citrusy taste.
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* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
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