Gin Rickey

Pro tips

• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for bright acidity; bottled juice dulls the flavor significantly.
• Build the drink over fresh ice in a tall glass to keep the carbonation crisp and the drink cold.
• Chill your glass beforehand if possible to slow dilution as the ice melts.
• Stir gently after adding sparkling water to avoid losing carbonation.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Dry Gin → any London Dry gin (Beefeater, Tanqueray, Gordon's)
• Sparkling water → club soda (identical effect)
• Fresh lime → fresh lemon juice (creates a Gin Fizz variation)

What's the difference between a Gin Rickey and a Gimlet?

A Gin Rickey uses sparkling water and fresh lime juice for a long, bubbly drink, while a Gimlet traditionally uses gin, lime juice cordial, and no carbonation.

Should I use fresh lime or bottled lime juice?

Fresh squeezed lime juice is strongly preferred for the best flavor and brightness; bottled juice tends to taste flat and metallic.

Can I make a Gin Rickey ahead of time?

Mix the gin and lime juice in advance, but add sparkling water and ice only when serving to preserve carbonation.

What type of gin works best?

A dry, juniper-forward gin like London Dry style shows the best character; avoid overly botanical or aged gins that can overwhelm the drink.

How much sparkling water should I use?

Top the drink with sparkling water to fill the glass; a typical ratio is 1.5 oz gin to 0.5 oz lime juice to 2–3 oz sparkling water.