Gin Rickey

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A crisp, refreshing classic cocktail featuring gin, fresh lime juice, and sparkling water with no added sugar.

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Recipe

1 cocktail (270ml)

London Dry Gin
60 ml
Lime Juice
15 ml
Soda Water
150 ml
Lime
1 wheel

Recipe credit: George A. Williamson, Shoomaker's, (1880s)

Instructions

3 minutes to make

Step

Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes to ensure maximum chilling and minimal dilution.

Step

Using a jigger, measure and add 45ml gin and 15ml fresh lime juice directly over the ice.

Step

Top with 150ml chilled soda water, adjusting quantity based on glass size and preference.

Step

Using a bar spoon, gently stir 2-3 times to combine ingredients without losing carbonation.

Step

Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and serve immediately while properly chilled.

Equipment

Jigger

Bar spoon

Citrus juicer

Description

The Gin Rickey is a timeless classic that epitomizes simplicity and refreshment. Dating back to late 19th-century Washington, D.C., this three-ingredient cocktail has earned its place as a summer staple and sophisticated evening drink. Unlike many cocktails of its era, the Gin Rickey contains no added sugar, making it a favorite among those who prefer their drinks light, dry, and effervescent. Its hallmark is a sugar-free, citrus-forward profile that allows the gin’s botanical complexity to shine through while delivering maximum refreshment.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (270ml)

Calories

ABV

12.2 %

Alcohol

14.1 g

Carbs

2.1 g

Carbs from Sugar

1.8 g

Fat

0 g

Protein

0.1 g

Sodium

8 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

Always use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled - the vibrant acidity is essential to the drink's character and bottled juice lacks the necessary brightness and complexity.
Quality gin makes a significant difference in this simple cocktail - choose a London Dry with botanical complexity that will shine through without added sweeteners masking the flavors.
Fill the glass completely with ice and ensure all ingredients are well-chilled before mixing - temperature is crucial for this refreshing cocktail's success.
Stir gently and minimally to combine ingredients without destroying the carbonation that gives the drink its essential effervescent character.
For those preferring a touch of sweetness, add 10-15ml simple syrup, though the traditional Gin Rickey is completely sugar-free and celebrates the dry, tart profile.

What's the difference between a Gin Rickey and a Gin & Tonic?

The Gin Rickey uses fresh lime juice and plain soda water with no added sugar, while a Gin & Tonic uses tonic water (which contains quinine and is slightly sweet) with just a lime wedge for garnish. The Rickey is drier, more tart, and features fresh citrus juice as a key ingredient rather than just garnish.

Can I use lemon instead of lime in a Gin Rickey?

While lime is traditional and preferred for its sharper, more complex acidity, you can substitute lemon juice. However, this would technically create a different cocktail similar to a Tom Collins (without the sugar). Lime’s unique flavor profile is part of what defines the classic Gin Rickey.

Should I add simple syrup to my Gin Rickey?

The traditional Gin Rickey contains no sugar, which is part of its defining character as a dry, refreshing cocktail. However, if you prefer a touch of sweetness, adding 10-15ml of simple syrup is acceptable, though purists would argue this moves away from the classic recipe’s intent.

What type of gin works best in a Gin Rickey?

London Dry gin is the classic choice due to its juniper-forward profile and botanical complexity that shines in this simple cocktail. Avoid heavily flavored or sweet gins, as the Rickey’s simplicity allows the gin’s character to be the star. Quality matters significantly in such a minimal-ingredient cocktail.