Sloe Gin Rickey

Pro tips

• Use fresh, high-quality ice cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting it too quickly—avoid crushed or cloudy ice.
• Chill your glass beforehand for a properly cold serve straight from the pour.
• Sloe gin's flavor is subtle; serve it neat or lightly chilled rather than heavily diluted.
• Taste the specific sloe gin brand first—some are sweeter than others, so adjust the ratio if needed.

Substitutions

• Old Mr. Boston Sloe Gin → Gordon's Sloe Gin (similar profile, widely available)
• Old Mr. Boston Sloe Gin → Plymouth Sloe Gin (slightly drier, more complex berries)
• Ice cube → crushed ice (dilutes faster, cools quicker—use if serving immediately)

Storage & make-ahead

Sloe gin keeps indefinitely at room temperature in a sealed bottle. A prepared drink should be consumed immediately.

Equipment

highball or rocks glass · jigger (1.5 oz measure)

What is sloe gin and where do I find it?

Sloe gin is a liqueur made by infusing gin with sloe berries (blackthorn), giving it a dark red color and fruity, slightly tart flavor. Find it in the liqueur section of most liquor stores.

Can I make this drink without Old Mr. Boston brand?

Yes. Any quality sloe gin works—Gordon's, Plymouth, or store brands are fine. The base spirit may vary slightly in sweetness and intensity, so taste and adjust to preference.

What glassware should I use?

A highball or rocks glass is traditional, filled with ice and the jigger of sloe gin. No cocktail shaker required.

Is this drink sweet or dry?

Sloe gin rickeys lean sweet and fruity due to the liqueur's natural sugar. If you prefer drier drinks, add a splash of soda water or tonic to balance the sweetness.

How much sloe gin is one jigger?

One standard jigger is 1.5 ounces (45 ml). Adjust to taste if you prefer a stronger or lighter drink.