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    Home » Recipes » Cocktails » Classic Gin Rickey cocktail with Strawberry twist

    PUBLISHED: June 18, 2021 • By Toni Dash 16 Comments

    Classic Gin Rickey cocktail with Strawberry twist

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    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    gin rickey cocktail title

    A classic Gin Rickey may very well be the most refreshing cocktail there is. Three simple ingredients, lots of ice, fizz and fresh flavor. It’s easy to change up and we are sharing a strawberry spin along with the classic version.

    gin rickey cocktail title

    If you are looking for an easy cocktail recipe to take the simmer out of a summer day, this recipe is just that.

    Fresh flavor, refreshing fizz, and a great cool down.

    Fun to change it up too!

    What is a Gin Rickey?

    Gin, lime juice, ice and club soda is all you need to make a classic Gin Rickey. It’s usually made in a highball glass with lots of ice.

    Pour in the gin, squeeze half a lime (drop it in the glass too) fill with ice and club soda for a thirst quenching light cocktail.

    A ‘Rickey’ is the same thing but can be made with bourbon, gin or rye whiskey.

    Gin Rickey History

    The original cocktail was created in the 1880’s for a Democratic lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey.

    He did not like sugary cocktails and the bartender of the Washington DC bar Shoomaker’s Bar, created the bourbon version for him. This version became known as the ‘Joe Rickey’.

    The bartender added lime to his ‘daily dose’ of bourbon, lump ice and Apollinaris sparkling mineral water. Who knew it would unleash a whole new family of cocktails.

    Ten years later the cocktail became all the rage when made with gin. It’s also referred to as a ‘Lime Rickey‘.

    gin rickey with strawberry side

    Rickey Cocktail Ingredients + Notes

    Gin. Any type of gin will work.

    Lime juice. Freshly squeezed always had the best flavor. I use a handheld juicer for this.

    Half a fresh lime can also be squeezed directly into the glass. And dropped into the cocktail if desired.

    Sparkling water or Club Soda. The original cocktail used sparkling mineral water. We tend to use Club Soda. Seltzer water is perfect too.

    If you have a soda water machine, use that! Any carbonated water can be used.

    Ice. You’ll fill the glass with ice.

    Typically this cocktail is made in a highball glass which is a tall 10-16 ounce glass. She show the strawberry version in the photos in an Old Fashioned or rocks glass.

    gin rickey with strawberry overhead

    Rickey Cocktail Variations

    A classic gin rickey is refreshing and delicious but there are some fun ways to change it up too.

    Strawberry Rickey. Adding strawberry simple syrup adds a light touch of strawberry flavor without making the classic cocktail overly sweet.

    Homemade strawberry simple syrup is easy to make too and great for lots of other dishes like sweet tea or our copycat Pink Drink.

    Strawberry Basil Rickey. Gin already has a botanical flavor so adding some basil leaves when making strawberry simple syrup gives a sophisticated flavor.

    Other flavored Rickey’s. An easy way to change up the flavor is to add flavored simple syrups. Try everything from orange to lavendar. Use our guide how to make simple syrup (flavored) for help.

    Virgin Gin Rickey. To make it a mocktail (which is popular by the way) remove the gin, add more lime juice and some simple syrup.

    Like it really cold? Combine the gin and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass with fresh ice.

    How to Make it

    No shaker or fancy tools required.

    Add the gin and lime juice to the glass. Add the ice. Fill with sparkling water.

    If you are making the strawberry or other flavored version, add the simple syrup with the gin.

    gin rickey pitcher with strawberry simple syrup

    Make it in a a pitcher

    This cocktail is fast to make by the drink but if you prefer a pitcher that’s easy too.

    The ingredients will be multiplied to create 8 cocktails worth.

    Because melting ice dilutes the cocktail we suggest using reusable ice in the pitcher unless serving immediately. Ice can be added to the serving glasses instead too.

    Detailed ingredients in the recipe card below.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s the difference between a Gin Rickey and Gin and Tonic?

    The Rickey is made with carbonated water so it’s not sweet and the flavors in the gin come through. Tonic water has a distinct slightly bitter flavor and will add sweetness to the cocktail.

    More cocktails you’ll love!

    • Refreshing Blue Margarita + Mocktail option
    • Favorite Summer Cocktails and Homemade Infusions
    • Grapefruit-Lemongrass-Lime Infused Gin and a Gin & Tonic cocktail
    • Elderflower Gin Fizz with frozen Berry ‘ice cubes’
    • Strawberry Mojitos
    gin rickey with strawberry side
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!
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    gin rickey sq

    Gin Rickey Cocktail (with Strawberry twist option)

    A classic Gin Rickey or Lime Rickey is a three ingredient cocktail that's easy to make and completely refreshing. We've included a strawberry option that's perfect for summer sipping.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Cocktail
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 cocktail
    Calories: 135kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    Per cocktail

    • 2 ounces Gin
    • 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed Lime Juice
    • Ice
    • 4-6 ounces Club Soda to fill
    • 1/2 ounce Strawberry simple syrup optional: for strawberry version

    Per pitcher

    • 2 cups Gin
    • 1/2 cup Lime Juice
    • 4 cups Club Soda
    • 1/2 cup Strawberry simple syrup if making the strawberry version
    • Ice

    Instructions

    By the cocktail

    • Combine the gin, lime juice (and strawberry simple syrup if using) in a highball glass. Stir.
    • Add ice and fill with club soda. Garnish with lime wheels (optional).

    By the pitcher

    • In a large pitcher combine the gin and lime juice (as well as strawberry simple syrup if making the strawberry version).
    • Add the club soda and ice. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Nutritional facts for 1 classic gin rickey cocktail.
    Notes on making a Pitcher
    • The yield for the pitcher is 8 cocktails and 52 ounces without the simple syrup. Use a pitcher large enough to accommodate ice.
    • If not serving quickly consider using reuseable ice which will keep the drink cold but not melt and dilute the mixture. Serve ice in the serving glasses instead.
    • Sparkling water will become flat if left too long.
    • Chilling the ingredients before making a pitcher and adding ice to serving glasses will keep the cocktails cold longer.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 25mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Comments

    1. Ramona says

      June 19, 2021 at 4:25 am

      5 stars
      And this was delicious absolutely love the trio combination. I’ll definitely make it again. The lime gave such a refreshing touch to it! Loved it!!

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        June 19, 2021 at 5:42 am

        So glad you liked it! The line makes all the difference on the refreshing front.

        Reply
    2. Emily Flint says

      June 18, 2021 at 7:30 pm

      5 stars
      Gin Rickey’s are my favorite and I can’t wait to try your strawberry version!!

      Reply
    3. Kyleigh says

      June 18, 2021 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      This might be my new favorite cocktail! So good!

      Reply
    4. Sabrina says

      June 18, 2021 at 2:24 pm

      5 stars
      So fresh and tasty. Good one, thanks!

      Reply
    5. Sondra Barker says

      June 18, 2021 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      I love a classic gin rickey cocktail so when I saw this recipe I had to try it. The addition of strawberries was so creative and made this drink delicious! I will be using this recipe all summer and I can’t wait to make this drink for my guests!

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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