When you've gotten to the end of the week and are ready to unwind with a cocktail as you glide into the weekend, a simple, refreshing drink is the way to go. As much as we love an elaborate recipe full ingredients, these drink recipes have their time and place, and Friday after work isn't it. A gin rickey is ideal for a classic, easy cocktail that takes far less time to make than it does to drink.
Videos by Wide Open Country
What is a Gin Rickey?
Getty Images/ivanmateev
The gin rickey is the cousin of a vodka soda or a gin and tonic, perfect for those who like classy gin drinks with few ingredients and barely any prep time. It was created in the 1880s and has been a popular gin drink every since. This classic cocktail recipe was originally made with bourbon, supposedly by Colonel Joe Rickey in a Washington DC bar.
The drink eventually became more commonly made with gin in the 1890's and continued to rise to popularity throughout the 20th century, showing up in well-known books like Great Gatsby. It's hard to go wrong with a combo of carbonated water, gin and lime juice, especially when served in a highball glass with a classy lime wedge garnish.
How to Make a Gin Rickey
The gin rickey is as easy to make as it is to drink. This classic gin rickey recipe involves 4 ounces gin, 2 limes, 1 teaspoon sugar, 4 ounces club soda or soda water, and ice. You can use simple syrup in place of sugar if you like, and adjust the amounts of sugar and lime juice to fit your preferences.
Juice the limes for fresh lime juice, and then mix the lime juice, gin and sugar in two glasses. No need for a cocktail shaker! Stir well with a spoon and add in the seltzer water and ice. Garnish with a lime slice to be extra fancy.
This recipe was originally published on September 14, 2017.
READ MORE: The Best Types of Gin for a Classy Martini
Classic Gin Rickey
Ingredients
- 4 oz gin
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 oz seltzer water
- Ice
Instructions
- In two glasses add the gin, lime juice, and sugar. Mix with a spoon. Add ice to the glass and top with seltzer water. Serve with a slice of lime.
