Gin Rickey
Type: Beverage/Cocktail

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Gin
2 ounces (56.7)
Lime Juice
1 ounce (28.35)
Soda Water
4 ounces (113.4)
Lime Wedge
1 piece (0)
Ice
1 cup (240)
Totals
15 oz
(438 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Gin
97
Lime Juice
8
Club Soda
0
Ice Cubes
0
Lime Wedge
2
Totals
107 kcal
Steps
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2. Squeeze the juice of half a lime directly into the glass.
3. Pour the desired amount of gin into the glass.
4. Fill the rest of the glass with carbonated water or club soda.
5. Stir gently with a long spoon to mix the ingredients.
6. Garnish the drink with a fresh lime wedge or slice.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Gin Rickey!
Substitutions
- Gin: Substitute with vodka or white rum. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Lime juice: Substitute with lemon juice in the same quantity.
- Soda water: Substitute with sparkling water or club soda in the same quantity.
- Simple syrup: Substitute with honey or agave syrup. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Ice cubes: No substitution required.
- Lime wedge (for garnish): Substitute with lemon wedge.
Note: Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less honey/agave syrup according to your taste preference when using it as a substitute for simple syrup.
Pairings
- Fresh seafood, such as oysters, shrimp, or grilled fish
- Citrus-based dishes, like ceviche or lemon chicken
- Light and refreshing salads, such as a citrus avocado salad or a cucumber and mint salad
- Spicy or tangy appetizers, like buffalo wings or spicy shrimp cocktail
- Grilled vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini
- Light and creamy cheeses, such as goat cheese or feta
- Mediterranean-inspired dishes, like Greek salad or grilled chicken souvlaki
- Fresh fruit, like berries or citrus slices, as a garnish or accompaniment
- Light and herbaceous dishes, such as pesto pasta or grilled herb chicken
- Classic brunch items, like eggs benedict or smoked salmon on toast
Upgrades
Enhancements for a Gin Rickey:
1. Improve presentation:
- Rim the glass with colored sugar or salt for an added visual touch.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as mint or rosemary, to add a pop of color.
- Use a fancy glassware, such as a coupe or a crystal highball glass, to elevate the overall presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a splash of flavored syrup, such as elderflower or lavender, to enhance the floral notes.
- Muddle fresh fruits, such as berries or citrus slices, to infuse the cocktail with natural flavors.
- Experiment with different types of gin, like barrel-aged or botanical-infused, to elevate the complexity of the drink.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use premium tonic water or soda water made with natural ingredients for a crisper and more refined taste.
- Add a dash of bitters, such as orange or grapefruit, to introduce a sophisticated depth of flavor.
- Incorporate a premium gin brand, like Hendrick's or Tanqueray No. Ten, for a smoother and more nuanced cocktail experience.
Diet Restrictions
- Use a sugar-free or low-sugar tonic water instead of regular tonic water to reduce the amount of added sugar.
- Replace regular gin with a distilled spirit that is lower in calories, such as a light or low-alcohol gin.
- Opt for fresh lime juice instead of sweetened lime juice to reduce added sugars.
- Consider using a sugar substitute or natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract instead of simple syrup.
- Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for flavor instead of relying on sugary syrups or flavored gins.
- If watching sodium intake, choose a low-sodium or sodium-free tonic water.
- For those avoiding alcohol, substitute gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or use sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.
- Always check the ingredient labels of tonic water and other mixers for any allergens or specific dietary concerns.
Healthy Choices
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice instead of store-bought lime juice to avoid added sugars and preservatives.
- Opt for a low-sugar or sugar-free tonic water instead of regular tonic water to reduce the overall sugar content.
- Choose a high-quality gin made from natural ingredients without added sugars or artificial flavors.
- Add a small amount of fresh fruit, such as slices of cucumber or berries, to enhance the flavor without adding extra calories.
- Consider using a natural sweetener like stevia or agave syrup instead of simple syrup or sugar to reduce the cocktail's overall sugar content.
- Use sparkling water or soda water instead of tonic water if you prefer a lighter and less sweet version of the Gin Rickey.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or basil to add a burst of flavor without adding extra calories or unhealthy ingredients.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-squeezed lime juice: Instead of squeezing fresh limes, opt for bottled lime juice to save time and effort.
2. Opt for a cheaper gin: Choose a more affordable gin brand without compromising too much on taste.
3. Skip the fancy garnish: Eliminate garnishes like lime wedges or mint leaves to save time and reduce costs.
4. Use soda water instead of sparkling mineral water: Swap expensive sparkling mineral water for more economical soda water without affecting the overall taste.
5. Make a larger batch: Prepare a larger quantity of Gin Rickey and store it in the refrigerator to save time on individual drink preparation.
6. Use a premade simple syrup: Instead of making your own simple syrup, purchase a ready-made version to cut down on preparation time.
7. Skip the muddling: Avoid muddling ingredients like lime or mint if you're short on time, as it won't significantly impact the taste.
8. Serve on the rocks: Instead of using a cocktail shaker, serve the Gin Rickey directly over ice to save time on shaking and straining.
9. Opt for a simpler glassware: Serve the cocktail in a regular highball or tumbler glass instead of fancy cocktail glasses to reduce costs.
10. Experiment with flavored soda water: Instead of using plain soda water, try different flavored options to add variety without additional effort or expense.