Cointreau Rickey
The Cointreau Rickey is an elegant and simple variation on the classic Rickey formula. By replacing the traditional gin or whiskey with Cointreau, the cocktail transforms into a lighter, citrus-forward drink. It is exceptionally easy to make, built directly in the glass for immediate enjoyment. Its clean profile and bubbly nature make it an ideal palate cleanser or a refreshing sipper for a warm day.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Cointreau Rickey is classified as a cocktail, specifically belonging to the Rickey family of highballs. Highballs are characterized by a base spirit mixed with a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic carbonated mixer, served in a tall glass over ice.
Serving
Served cold over plenty of ice in a tall Highball glass, this is a light and refreshing long drink. The alcohol content is relatively low due to the dilution from the club soda.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-13% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The Rickey cocktail was invented in the 1880s by Colonel Joe Rickey in Washington, D.C., originally made with bourbon and later popularized with gin. It is characterized by its simple mix of a base spirit, lime juice, and carbonated water, with no added sugar. The Cointreau Rickey is a logical and delicious evolution of this classic template, substituting the base spirit for the famous French orange liqueur.
Origin
This cocktail is a modern variation of the classic Rickey, which originated in the United States in the 1880s. The Cointreau-specific version likely gained popularity in the 20th century as bartenders and home enthusiasts experimented with the simple, versatile Rickey formula.
Cointreau Rickey
The drink is most commonly known as the Cointreau Rickey, directly naming its signature ingredient. It may occasionally be referred to more generically as a Triple Sec Rickey if a different brand of triple sec orange liqueur is used.
Original name
Cointreau Rickey
Alternative name
Triple Sec Rickey
Characteristics overview
The Cointreau Rickey boasts a vibrant citrus aroma and a flavor profile dominated by sweet orange and tart lime. Its effervescent texture and clean, refreshing aftertaste make it an exceptionally crisp and light summer drink.
Flavor
orange, lime, citrus, crisp, light, bubbly
Aroma
fresh lime, orange peel, zesty citrus
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
clean, short, refreshing, citrusy
Fizziness
effervescent, sparkling
Color appearance
cloudy white, translucent, bubbly
Texture
light, crisp, watery, thin
Seasonality
refreshing, summery, thirst-quenching
Flavor intensity & Experience
This drink has a pronounced fruity and sour character from the orange liqueur and lime, with a gentle sweetness and minimal bitterness. It is a light-bodied, highly carbonated highball with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol presence.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need three simple ingredients for this cocktail: Cointreau orange liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, and chilled club soda. Quality ingredients are key to this minimalist drink.
- Cointreau60 ml / 2 ozThe key ingredient that defines the cocktail. Another high-quality triple sec can be substituted.
- Lime Juice30 ml / 1 ozFreshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the best flavor.
- Club Soda90-120 ml / 3-4 oz, to topUse a well-chilled, high-quality club soda or sparkling mineral water for maximum fizziness.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No shaker is needed for this simple built-in-the-glass cocktail. All you need is a jigger for measuring and a bar spoon to gently combine the ingredients.
- Highball glass for building the drink directly inside.
- Jigger for accurately measuring liquids.
- Bar spoon for a gentle stir.
Instructions
The preparation is incredibly straightforward: simply build all ingredients over ice directly in a highball glass. Finish with a gentle stir and a lime garnish.
1. Fill a highball glass to the top with ice cubes.
2. Pour the Cointreau over the ice.
3. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice.
4. Top the glass with chilled club soda.
5. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel, and optionally, the spent lime shell.
Garnishing
A simple garnish of a fresh lime wedge or wheel perfectly complements the drink's flavors. For a traditional touch, drop the squeezed lime half into the glass.
- Lime wedge or wheel placed on the rim or in the drink.
- Spent lime shell dropped into the drink after squeezing, a traditional Rickey garnish.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as caffeine, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The drink's calories and sugar content come almost entirely from the Cointreau liqueur. It is a moderately caloric cocktail with a noticeable amount of sugar.
Calories
Approximately 180-200 kcal / 753-837 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 18 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is a perfect drink for warm weather, making it ideal for summer afternoons, garden parties, or brunch. Its light and refreshing character also makes it an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal. It's simple enough for any casual gathering where a quick and easy cocktail is desired.
- Summer afternoon
- Brunch
- Aperitif
- Casual gatherings
Pairing suggestions
The Cointreau Rickey's crisp and citrusy profile pairs wonderfully with light and fresh foods. It complements seafood well and can cut through the richness of fried appetizers. Its balance of sweet and sour also makes it a great match for spicy cuisine, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the heat.
- Light appetizers
- Seafood dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp
- Spicy Mexican or Thai food
- Fresh salads
The Cointreau Rickey: A Study in Citrus Simplicity
The Cointreau Rickey is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cocktails. As a member of the historic Rickey family, it offers a unique twist by using orange liqueur as its base, resulting in a drink that is both familiar and novel. It is incredibly refreshing, with a perfect balance of sweet orange and tart lime, all lifted by lively carbonation. Its ease of preparation and elegant flavor make it a versatile choice for any occasion that calls for a bright and uplifting beverage.
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