Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Gin
- fill with Tonic Water
- 1 Splash(s) Lime Juice
- 2 Lemon
Instructions
Mix Ingredients:
- In a highball glass filled with ice, pour 1.5 oz of gin.
- Fill the glass with tonic water.
- Add a splash of lime juice.
Add Lemon:
- Drop two lemon wedges into the glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Gin Lime Rickey.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This drink belongs to the Rickey family, originating in Washington D.C. in the late 19th century. It is named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a Democratic lobbyist who preferred his bourbon and soda with a squeeze of lime, but no sugar. The gin version quickly followed suit.
The Gin Lime Rickey is a classic highball, a close cousin to the Gin and Tonic but fundamentally different. It uses fresh lime juice and club soda instead of tonic water, resulting in a much drier, sharper profile. It strips away the sweetness for a more direct interaction of spirit and citrus.
You would order or serve this drink when you are looking for something genuinely thirst-quenching. It is perfect for a scorching summer afternoon, a backyard barbecue, or anytime you want a light, spirit-forward option that keeps things uncomplicated and cool.
What it tastes like
The Gin Lime Rickey delivers a sharp, botanical punch from the gin, immediately followed by the bright, tart zing of fresh lime. The club soda provides a clean, effervescent lift, cutting through the gin's intensity and making for an exceptionally crisp and dry finish. There is no sweetness to soften the edges here, just pure, refreshing zest.
With about 2 ounces of 40% ABV gin, this drink typically lands in the 15-20% ABV range, depending on how much soda you add. That makes it considerably stronger than your average 5% ABV beer, so treat it with the respect due to a proper cocktail. It is a sipper, not a chugger.
The technique
Building a Gin Lime Rickey is as simple as it gets. Start with a highball glass, fill it with ice. Pour in 2 ounces of gin and 0.75 ounces of fresh lime juice. Top generously with cold club soda, then give it a gentle stir to combine. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.
The one technique tip that matters most for this drink is temperature and dilution. Ensure all your ingredients are well-chilled, especially the club soda, and use plenty of fresh, solid ice to keep it cold and properly diluted. Warm ingredients make for a flat drink.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- London Dry gins like Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Gordon's work perfectly. Their juniper-forward, dry profiles are the backbone.
- Skip
- Avoid highly floral or sweet gins, or anything overly botanical that might clash with the lime.
- Why
- The gin is the star here. Its robust character needs to stand up to the lime and soda without getting lost.
Lime
- Use
- Always fresh-squeezed lime juice. Always.
- Skip
- Bottled lime juice. It is flat, artificial, and will ruin the drink's freshness.
- Why
- Fresh lime provides the essential tartness and vibrant aroma that defines the Rickey's crisp profile. Without it, the drink falls flat.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Bourbon Rickey
- Whiskey's Dry Companion
- Swap the gin for bourbon for a different take on the classic. It brings a warmer, oaky sweetness that pairs well with the lime and soda.
Raspberry Rickey
- Fruity, but Still Dry
- Muddle a few fresh raspberries in the glass before adding the gin and lime. It adds a subtle fruit note without making the drink sweet.
Sweetened Rickey
- A Hint of Sugar
- While traditionally unsweetened, add 0.25 to 0.5 ounces of simple syrup if you prefer a less tart, slightly softer drink.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Try vodka for a neutral base, or white rum for a slightly sweeter, more aromatic twist.
Lemon juice can work in a pinch, but it will create a slightly different, more "fizz" like character.
Seltzer or any unflavored sparkling water will do the job. Just ensure it is very cold and highly carbonated.
Any tall, straight-sided glass will be fine. A pint glass or even a large tumbler works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Gin Lime Rickey?
A Gin Lime Rickey contains gin, fresh lime juice, and club soda, served over ice.
Is a Gin Lime Rickey sweet?
No, traditionally the Gin Lime Rickey is unsweetened and very dry, relying on the tartness of the lime.
What is the difference between a Gin Rickey and a Gin and Tonic?
A Gin Rickey uses lime juice and club soda, while a Gin and Tonic uses tonic water, which contains quinine and is typically sweetened.
Why is it called a Rickey?
The drink is named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a lobbyist in Washington D.C. who favored unsweetened highballs.
What kind of gin is best for a Gin Lime Rickey?
A classic London Dry gin with a strong juniper and citrus profile is ideal, as it stands up well to the lime and soda.
Can I make a Gin Lime Rickey without alcohol?
Yes, a "Lime Rickey" is a non-alcoholic version made with just lime juice and club soda, often with a touch of simple syrup.
Is a Gin Lime Rickey healthy?
As an unsweetened drink, it is relatively low in calories compared to many cocktails, primarily from the gin.
Can I add sugar to a Gin Lime Rickey?
You can, but it deviates from the traditional unsweetened style. If you prefer it less tart, a small amount of simple syrup can be added.
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