Scotch Rickey
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 ozA 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 topEnsure 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.
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