Gin Rickey - A Refreshing Classic

The Gin Rickey is a light, fizzy cocktail that’s delightfully refreshing, especially on a warm day. It’s a simple yet elegant drink, known for its tart and invigorating lime flavor that complements the smoothness of gin, with just a hint of fizz.

The history of the Gin Rickey dates back to the 1880s, with roots in Washington D.C. The cocktail is named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a prominent Democratic lobbyist and political figure. While he originally preferred his drink with bourbon, gin soon became a popular variation, and it’s this gin version that remains a classic today. The Gin Rickey also had a unique place in literature, being a favorite of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s character, Jay Gatsby, in The Great Gatsby, which further solidified its appeal.

Interesting fact: Unlike many cocktails, the Gin Rickey contains no added sugar or syrup, letting the gin and lime shine in their purest form. This made it a popular drink during Prohibition, as its lack of sweetness didn’t mask the flavour of gin from hidden stills.

Ingredients:
60 ml (2 oz) gin
Half a lime, cut into wedges
Sparkling water or club soda
Ice cubes
Lime wheel for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
Squeeze the lime wedges over the ice, dropping them into the glass to capture the zest and oils.
Add the gin to the glass.
Top with sparkling water or club soda, and give it a light stir.
Garnish with a lime wheel, if desired.
To make the most of this timeless cocktail, we recommend trying it with a homemade gin crafted using your gin-making kit!