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    Home » Recipes » Drinks

    Classic Gin Rickey Cocktail

    Published: Aug 3, 2016 · Modified: Jun 21, 2019 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    This is the ultimate classic Gin Rickey cocktail! It is refreshing and delicious, plus it's super easy to make with just a few ingredients. #gincocktail #cocktail #ginrickey #summercocktail

    This is the ultimate classic Gin Rickey cocktail! It is refreshing and delicious, plus it's super easy to make with just a few ingredients. I've decorated it with edible flowers to make it extra special.

    Overhead image of a glass of ice and gin rickey cocktail with a wedge of lime and edible flowers.

     

    A Gin Rickey is a classic cocktail, and a great alternative to the more ubiquitous G&T.

    Made with just three simple ingredients: gin, lime juice and soda water (aka club soda), the Gin Rickey is refreshing without the cloying sweetness that many other cocktails have.

    I like that it lets the flavours and botanicals of your chosen gin shine through and be elevated by the tart lime juice.

    It's perfect for a refreshing cocktail in the backyard on a hot summer's day, for a cookout, barbecue, picnic or party! 

    Glasses of cocktail on a wooden table.

    Unlike it's popular cousin the Gin Gimlet, a Gin Rickey doesn't have any fussy sugar syrups to sweeten it.

    It's a grown up, elegant drink and perfect for hot evenings.

    Gin Rickey

    The Gin Rickey cocktail was originally created in Washington DC in the late 1800s.

    It was originally made with bourbon, though it didn't become popular until the bourbon was swapped for gin. Then it soared in popularity for a while before recently undergoing a new renaissance.

    Now, it is often found in lists of classic cocktails. It's often overshadowed by showy cocktails and sweet concoctions, but I love it for it's classy bitter flavour that really makes the most of good gin. 
     

    Close up of two glasses of classic Gin Rickey Cocktail with fresh lime and edible flowers in the glasses.

    As I'm sure you know, gin has really come into its own in the past few years. Craft distilleries are popping up everywhere and it has become the drink du jour in the trendiest bars.

    I, for one, am loving this resurgence. I wasn't keen on gin when I was younger, but I have now been completely converted.  

    Gin is always my drink of choice these days, and I prefer drinks that aren't too sweet, like this Gin Rickey.

    Be Drinkaware

    Take a look at my other cocktail recipes:
    Cucumber Gin and Tonic
    Cucumber Caipirinha
    Carrot Moscow Mule
    Cranberry Pomegranate Cosmopolitan
    Ginger Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail

    Get the Gin Rickey Cocktail Recipe

    A glass of cocktail with edible flowers.

    Classic Gin Rickey Cocktail

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    The perfect Gin Rickey cocktail - a simple and refreshing gin drink.
    5 from 3 votes
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 130 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 handful of ice
    • ½ a lime
    • 2 oz gin
    • Club soda water

    To decorate (optional)

    • Edible borage flowers

    Instructions
     

    • Fill the glass with ice, then squeeze half a lime per glass and drop the lime half into the glass. Add a shot of gin, then top up with the club soda (soda water). Gently stir, top with borage flowers and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 130kcal

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ami

      August 25, 2018 at 5:21 am

      5 stars
      I loved the refreshing drink.The edible flowers look so pretty but I added rosemary flowers.

      Reply
    2. Arvin

      August 03, 2017 at 9:30 pm

      5 stars
      Drinking it as we speak. Pleasantly cool and fresh on a hot day like this, Thanks for the instructions on how to make Gin Rickey cocktail.

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        August 04, 2016 at 8:53 am

        I'm so glad that you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Helen

      September 15, 2016 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      This was delicious, and perfect for showcasing a lovely fine gin. I've really gone off tonic recently so loved it.

      Reply
    4. choclette

      August 04, 2016 at 5:09 pm

      I love any drinks made with real limes and this sounds delicious, especially as it's not been sweetened. Love the look of that bottle - good gin is, well, really good 😉

      Reply
    5. Christina | Christina's Cucina

      August 03, 2016 at 9:55 pm

      Gin and tonic is one of my favorite cocktails so I'm sure I'd love this! I've heard of a gin rickey before but never had one! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    6. Lisa |Garlic + Zest

      August 03, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      I'm not into sweet cocktails, so this one definitely suits my taste buds -- and so refreshing in this August heat!

      Reply
    7. Cynthia Rusincovitch

      August 03, 2016 at 8:54 pm

      This looks really good, I like that it's not sugary. I'll need to try it.

      Reply
    8. Vicci | It's Cheat Day Everyday

      August 03, 2016 at 8:14 pm

      Oh, I just love that this sophisticated drink doesn't call for the use of any added sugars or syrups. Makes me feel less guilty if I happen to have a few more than, say 2 or 3 😉 This looks great and I love the edible flowers.

      Reply
      • Kate Hackworthy

        August 03, 2016 at 8:41 pm

        Absolutely! Cocktails don't need sugar syrups to be delicious. 🙂

        Reply
    9. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

      August 03, 2016 at 7:57 pm

      This is such a beautiful looking cocktail. I only recently started drinking gin and I am counting down the days until I can have one again when baby arrives.

      Reply
    10. Aish

      August 03, 2016 at 7:56 pm

      I.love.gin. My most fav drink ever is a Gin and Tonic. I'm definitely going to try yours.

      Reply
    11. Ceri Jones

      August 03, 2016 at 7:05 pm

      Ah, gin. My friend. Its been a long day, and I could definitely do with a refreshing glass of this Kate! Love the boarge flowers too - so pretty!

      Reply

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    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Healthy Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Salad
    • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
    • Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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