Classic Gin Rickey Highball – Lime, Gin, and Soda Water
A crisp highball of gin, lime juice, and sparkling water, the Classic Gin Rickey is a refreshing cocktail built for clean, zesty flavor. Immortalized in The Great Gatsby, it remains a timeless choice for warm evenings and light, effervescent sipping.
A Gin Rickey delivers effortless refreshment with its simple mix of gin, lime juice, and sparkling water. This no-frills highball keeps the flavors bright, crisp, and clean—perfect when you want a drink that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Background
The Gin Rickey dates back to late 19th-century Washington, D.C., and earned literary fame in The Great Gatsby where it was a favorite during the roaring twenties. Its reputation as a light, cooling cocktail made it an enduring classic through prohibition and beyond.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Gin – the botanical backbone that drives the flavor
- Lime juice – adds sharp acidity and freshness
- Carbonated water – supplies the fizz and keeps it light
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Bar spoon
Bright Simplicity in a Glass
Unlike sweeter cocktails, the Gin Rickey relies on pure citrus and bubbles. It’s crisp, low-sugar, and showcases gin’s herbal complexity without distractions.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap gin for bourbon to make a Bourbon Rickey.
- Use lemon juice instead of lime for a softer citrus profile.
- Add a dash of bitters for extra depth.
- Try flavored sparkling water for a subtle twist.
Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh lime juice for the cleanest flavor.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge to emphasize the citrus.
- For a party, pre-mix gin and lime juice in a pitcher and top each glass with sparkling water to keep the fizz lively.
Gin Rickey Recipe
Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1/2 oz.
Directions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the gin.
- Add the lime juice.
- Top with carbonated water.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
Simple, crisp, and timeless—the Gin Rickey proves that less really can be more.
