The Rickey

The Rickey is a highball drink that was created in the late 19th century in Washington D.C., United States. It is typically made from gin, lime, and carbonated water. The Rickey is often considered a refreshing and light cocktail, ideal for summer months.

History

The Rickey was first concocted in 1883 by a bartender named George A. Williamson, who was inspired by Colonel Joe Rickey, a lobbyist in Washington D.C. The original Rickey was made with bourbon whiskey instead of gin, but the gin version became more popular over time.

Preparation

The Rickey is a simple cocktail to prepare. It requires the juice of half a lime, 2 ounces of gin, and 4 to 6 ounces of carbonated water. The lime juice and gin are combined in a highball glass, then the glass is filled with ice and topped off with carbonated water. The drink is typically garnished with a lime wedge.

Variations

There are several variations of The Rickey, including the Bourbon Rickey and the Vodka Rickey. The Bourbon Rickey replaces the gin with bourbon, while the Vodka Rickey uses vodka instead of gin. There is also a non-alcoholic version of the drink, known as the Virgin Rickey, which omits the alcohol entirely.

In popular culture

The Rickey has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature and film. It is often associated with the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition era in the United States.

See also

• List of cocktails
• Highball
• Gin
• Bourbon whiskey
• Vodka