Gin Rickey, the Tart Bubbly Cocktail for Gin Lovers

So what is a Gin Rickey?

The Gin Rickey is an old highball style cocktail (meaning it combines alcohol and something bubbly) that uses gin, lime and soda water. The result is a very tart yet refreshing drink where the more subtle flavors of a quality gin can shine.

It's basically a code name for a gin and soda with lime.

And why is it any good? It's simple to make, easy drinking, and a refreshing way to highlight your favorite gin.

How to make a Gin Rickey

1. Fill a Collins glass with ice
2. Add the gin and lime juice
3. Top with soda water
4. Garnish with lime

You can also add a splash of simple syrup to mellow it out.

Technically, a Rickey cocktail isn't supposed to have any sweetener since the cocktail was "invented" by removing the sweetener from a Collins or fizz style drink, but if you want to I support it.

Also try dialing back the lime juice as much as you like.

Which gin to use for a Rickey cocktail

A good quality gin of any style will work great for a Rickey. In this version I used Tanqueray which was delicious but choose any gin you enjoy.

Experimenting with some of the more unique gins can also be fun.

There are plenty of different flavored gins that would take the drink in a whole different direction. Try looking for flavors like rose, cherry blossom, or cucumber that would go nicely with the lime.

Make up your own variations

With a drink this simple there are endless modifications to make, but here's a couple to get you started.

USING BITTERS

A couple dashes of bitters can go a long way in adding layer of flavor to any cocktail. Just about any kind of bitters would work here but Angostura, cucumber, or any type of fruit would probably be a good place to start.

ADD FRUIT

Before building the drink add some fruit to the bottom of the glass and muddle it up. Fresh berries or pineapple come to mind but you could choose just about anything.

Or maybe add a little splash of homemade cocktail syrup like pineapple, banana, or raspberry.

A quick Gin Rickey history

The Gin Rickey has a few potential origin stories but both are associated with the same Col. Joe Rickey who was a well liked "gentleman gambler" and civil war veteran.

One story goes that the Rickey cocktail came about from the Colonel Rickey himself having something to do with the creation by asking for bourbon and soda with citrus, which became known as a "Joe Rickey".

However, there are accounts that he had nothing to do with the drink's creation and was even annoyed that it was named after him. 

Garnish with a slice, wedge, or twist of lime, stick in a straw and enjoy!