Ginger beer

Gin Rickey is a classic cocktail that originated in the United States during the late 19th century. It is a variation of the Rickey, a category of mixed drinks that are made from a base spirit, half of a lime squeezed and dropped in the glass, and topped with carbonated water. The Gin Rickey specifically uses gin as its base spirit.

History

The Gin Rickey was named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a lobbyist from Missouri who was known for entertaining politicians at Shoemaker's in Washington D.C.. The original Rickey was made with bourbon whiskey, but it was later replaced with gin during the gin craze of the 1890s. The drink became popular during the summer months as a refreshing and less sweet alternative to other cocktails of the time.

Preparation

The Gin Rickey is a simple cocktail to prepare. It requires the following ingredients:

• 2 oz gin
• Juice of half a lime
• Carbonated water to top

The lime is squeezed into a highball glass, and the spent shell is then dropped in. Gin is added, and the glass is filled with ice. The cocktail is then topped with carbonated water and stirred gently.

Variations

There are several variations of the Gin Rickey, including the Vodka Rickey, Rum Rickey, and the Bourbon Rickey. Each variation replaces the gin with a different base spirit.

In popular culture

The Gin Rickey has been mentioned in several works of literature, including F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, where it is the preferred drink of the character Daisy Buchanan.

See also

• List of cocktails
• Lime (fruit)
• Carbonated water