Scotch Rickey

Name: Scotch Rickey
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Scotch Whisky; 15 ml / 0.5 oz (from half a lime) Lime Juice; 120 ml / 4 oz, or to top Soda Water

Ingredients Instructions

The Scotch Rickey is a testament to the elegance of simplicity. As a variation on the more famous Gin Rickey, this version swaps the botanical spirit for the malty, complex notes of Scotch whisky. The combination of Scotch, zesty lime, and effervescent soda water creates a perfectly balanced and thirst-quenching drink. It's an unsweetened highball, making it a favorite for those who prefer a drier, more spirit-forward cocktail experience, especially during warmer months.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Scotch Rickey is classified as a classic cocktail and belongs to the 'Rickey' family of drinks. It is also a quintessential highball, characterized by a spirit base lengthened with a non-alcoholic mixer and served in a tall glass over ice.

Serving

The Scotch Rickey is served cold over ice in a tall highball glass. It's a relatively light-alcohol drink, perfect for easy sipping.

Serving size

Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz

Alcohol content

Approximately 10-14% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Highball

Glass treatment

None

Backstory

The original 'Rickey' was created in the 1880s in Washington, D.C., for Colonel Joe Rickey, who preferred his bourbon with lime and soda water, but without sugar. The drink quickly gained popularity, with gin becoming the most common base spirit. Naturally, variations with other spirits like Scotch whisky followed, offering a different but equally refreshing character to this classic highball formula.

Origin

United States, late 19th century (as a variation of the original Rickey).

Scotch Rickey

The drink is almost universally known as the Scotch Rickey. Some may refer to it more descriptively as a Scotch and Soda with Lime, which accurately describes its components but misses the classic cocktail name.

Original name

Scotch Rickey

Alternative name

Scotch and Soda with Lime

Characteristics overview

This drink has a bright, lime-forward aroma and a tart, refreshing flavor profile, with the character of the Scotch providing a malty or smoky backbone. Its light texture and crisp, bubbly finish make it an exceptionally refreshing choice.

Flavor

Tart, citrusy, crisp, dry, malty, smoky (depending on the Scotch)

Aroma

Fresh lime, malty grain, subtle peat or smoke (optional)

Taste balance

Sour, neutral (unsweetened)

Aftertaste

Clean, refreshing, short

Fizziness

Effervescent, bubbly

Color appearance

Pale gold, clear, transparent with bubbles

Texture

Light, thin, crisp

Seasonality

Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by sourness from the fresh lime and high carbonation from the soda. The drink is entirely unsweetened, with a light alcohol presence and a subtle fruitiness.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need three simple ingredients for a Scotch Rickey: your choice of Scotch whisky, a fresh lime for juice, and chilled soda water to top.

Scotch Whisky60 ml / 2 oz
A blended Scotch works well. For a smoky character, use an Islay Scotch.
Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz (from half a lime)
Must be freshly squeezed for best results.
Soda Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
Ensure it is well-chilled to maintain carbonation.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

Basic bar tools are all that's required: a jigger to measure the spirit and a bar spoon for a gentle stir. No shaker is needed as the drink is built in the glass.

Jigger for measuring
Bar spoon for stirring
Knife and cutting board for lime

Instructions

This cocktail is built directly in the serving glass. Simply add ice, pour in the Scotch, squeeze in fresh lime, and top with soda water before giving it a quick, gentle stir.

1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.

2. Pour the Scotch whisky over the ice.

3. Squeeze the juice from half a lime directly into the glass.

4. Drop the spent lime shell into the glass for added aroma.

5. Top up with chilled soda water.

6. Gently stir with a bar spoon just to combine the ingredients, being careful not to dissipate the carbonation.

7. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The traditional garnish is functional and aromatic: the squeezed lime half is simply dropped into the drink, releasing essential oils from the peel.

Spent lime shell, dropped into the glass

Dietary Information

This cocktail is vegan and free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. However, as Scotch is derived from gluten-containing grains, it is not considered gluten-free for those with celiac disease.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✕ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

Due to the absence of added sugar, the Scotch Rickey is a relatively low-calorie and low-sugar cocktail. Most of its calories come from the alcohol itself.

Calories

averagely 130-150 kcal / 544-628 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

averagely 4 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

averagely 2 g

Sugar level

Occasions

This is an ideal drink for warm weather, casual social gatherings, or as a simple aperitif before a meal. Its refreshing and straightforward nature makes it a versatile choice for any relaxed occasion.

Summer afternoon
Happy hour
Casual get-together
Pre-dinner drink

Pairing suggestions

The crisp, tart, and sometimes smoky profile of a Scotch Rickey pairs beautifully with salty and savory foods. It cuts through the richness of smoked fish and complements the brininess of fresh oysters or the simple saltiness of bar snacks.

Smoked salmon
Salty nuts or pretzels
Grilled seafood
Oysters on the half shell

The Scotch Rickey: A Timeless and Refreshing Classic

The Scotch Rickey is a classic highball that champions simplicity and refreshment. It's a fantastic way to enjoy Scotch whisky in a lighter, more approachable format, especially for those who don't favor sweet drinks. The combination of Scotch, fresh lime, and soda is timeless, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail with minimal effort. Whether made with a smooth blended Scotch or a robust peated single malt, the Rickey is a versatile and satisfying choice for any occasion.