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.
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!
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It was originally made with bourbon, though it didn’t become popular until the bourbon was swapped for gin.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.
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.
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
Classic Gin Rickey Cocktail
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.
Ami
I loved the refreshing drink.The edible flowers look so pretty but I added rosemary flowers.
Arvin
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.
Kate Hackworthy
I’m so glad that you like it! 🙂
Helen
This was delicious, and perfect for showcasing a lovely fine gin. I’ve really gone off tonic recently so loved it.
choclette
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 😉
Christina | Christina's Cucina
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!
Lisa |Garlic + Zest
I’m not into sweet cocktails, so this one definitely suits my taste buds — and so refreshing in this August heat!
Cynthia Rusincovitch
This looks really good, I like that it’s not sugary. I’ll need to try it.
Vicci | It's Cheat Day Everyday
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.
Kate Hackworthy
Absolutely! Cocktails don’t need sugar syrups to be delicious. 🙂
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
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.
Aish
I.love.gin. My most fav drink ever is a Gin and Tonic. I’m definitely going to try yours.
Ceri Jones
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!