Summer time around here typically means one cocktail above all else - the beloved gin and tonic. But there's another refreshing gin cocktail that deserves more recognition: the Gin Rickey.
Several years ago, my husband ran out (read: drank all) of my fancy tonic water while I was away visiting family, so he decided to try swapping in some sparkling water instead. He didn’t know it then, but what he was drinking is also known as a Gin Rickey.
This simple combination of gin, the juice of half a lime, and carbonated water is as easy-going and fresh as it gets. Pretty soon, my husband told me he actually enjoyed his gin more this way, and after a bit of coaxing, I’m finally swapping out my G&T for a Rickey now and then too!
Three simple ingredients
Traditionally, a Rickey is the ultra-refreshing combination of freshly squeezed lime juice, carbonated water and bourbon. Eventually some smart cat thought to try it with gin, and the rest is history. Both versions are great drinks, by the way.
What really sets a Gin Rickey apart from other citrusy highballs like a Collins is the lack of sugar. There are no syrups or liqueurs in a Rickey. A Rickey made with simple syrup is more like a Tom Collins with lime in place of lemon.
You might see something like a "Lime Rickey" listed under the non-alcoholic drinks on a restaurant menu. In my experience, this is usually a lime flavored syrup with some soda water, so not at all the same thing.
Why you should drink more Gin Rickeys this summer
A Gin Rickey is pretty much a “gin and soda” with a solid dose of lime juice. I guess that may have been why I was hesitant to embrace it at first, but there are three solid reasons I think Gin Rickeys should be on any cocktail lover’s top summer drink list:
They’re incredibly refreshing
When it's really hot or you're day drinking, the Gin Rickey is a great choice. You’re hydrating and getting a dose of vitamin C while enjoying a cocktail. Score!
They’re lighter than most summer cocktails
Most of us could use a lower calorie cocktail option now and then. During the summer, it's especially nice to have a lighter option. And this one contains zero sugar.
Most importantly: You get to really taste your gin
Unlike a typical vodka soda, this cocktail is all about taste. You can enjoy even some of the more subtle flavors in your gin of choice, and round things out with a splash of citrus. What’s not to love?
How to make a classic Gin Rickey
Fill a tall glass with ice. Seriously, fill it all the way, as pictured below. The more ice, the quicker the chill down and the less dilution overall. Using less ice will just give you a not-that-cold, watered down tasting drink.
Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice and give it a stir. Top with your carbonated water of choice, stir gently, and enjoy! Garnish with a lime wheel and mint or other herbs that compliment your gin of choice, if desired. Here's step by step instructions:
Step 1: Fill a tall glass with ice.
Step 2: Add gin and lime juice.
Step 3: Top with carbonated water. You can add a garnish of lime and fresh mint or just enjoy this classic cocktail as is.
How many calories are in a Gin Rickey?
It depends on how much gin you use. It's 114 calories for a 1 ½ ounce pour or 146 calories for a full 2 ounce pour. Either way you make it, it's only 1 gram of carbs, which is from the lime juice.
Is a Gin Rickey "healthier" than a Gin and Tonic?
Well, that's a tough question. Can a cocktail ever really be healthy? But if what you really want to know is how they compare nutritionally outside of the booze, a Gin Rickey is significantly lighter.
Tonic water contains sugar, and if you're buying the standard soda brands at the grocery store, it has A LOT of it. Like 23 grams per 8 oz serving. It also has about 100 calories per serving and is most often made with corn syrup, which isn't on anyone's "healthy" list of foods.
This isn't to say that the Gin and Tonic is not a fantastic cocktail that deserves to be enjoyed now and then. But if you're looking for a lighter option, the Gin Rickey is the way to go.
If mixing up a G&T instead, opt for quality tonic waters from brands like Fever-Tree or Q Drinks. They use high quality ingredients, taste far superior to supermarket brands, and are often much lower sugar and calorie.
Variations on the classic recipe
If you want to spice things up a bit, add a garnish of fresh herbs or fruit - or even muddle those botanicals with the gin and lime juice. If you opt to muddle, you'll want to do it in a cocktail shaker. After muddling, add ice, shake until chilled, then strain the liquid into your glass filled with ice (see step 1).
Try a Raspberry Rickey!
This way you won't end up with a mess of muddled goop in the bottom of the glass. Keep in mind that any add-ins will change the calorie and carb count on this drink, but a few raspberries, slices of peach, or some fresh cherries will not set your diet back nearly as much as syrups or liqueurs can.
You may also enjoy my Guide to Gin (and Gin Cocktails) or these other gin cocktails:
Classic Gin Rickey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ - 2 oz gin of your choice
- Juice of half a lime
- 4-6 oz carbonated water use mineral water or flavored seltzer waters for more flavor!
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Don't skimp, fill it all the way!
- Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice and give it a stir.
- Top with your carbonated water of choice, stir gently, and enjoy!
- Garnish with a lime wheel and mint or other herbs that compliment your gin of choice, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
