Vodka Rickey

The Vodka Rickey is the vodka-based counterpart to the classic Gin Rickey. It is a simple yet elegant highball known for its clean, tart, and effervescent character. Served tall over ice, it's an incredibly refreshing drink, perfect for warm weather. Its defining feature is the absence of sugar, making it a dry and bracing cocktail that highlights the fresh lime and the base spirit.
Vodka Rickey

Preparation

Preparation time: 2 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Vodka Rickey is a classic highball cocktail. It falls into the "Rickey" family of drinks, characterized by a spirit, lime juice, and carbonated water. It's a simple, refreshing long drink perfect for any occasion.

Serving

The Vodka Rickey is a tall, cold drink served in a Highball glass filled with ice. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it a refreshing and easy-sipping cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 200-240 ml / 7-8 oz
Alcohol content
Around 12-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Vodka Rickey is a direct descendant of the Gin Rickey, a drink created in the late 19th century in Washington, D.C., for Colonel Joe Rickey. As vodka's popularity surged in the mid-20th century, it naturally began to substitute for gin in many classic cocktails. The Vodka Rickey was born from this trend, offering a cleaner, more neutral-tasting version of the original favorite.
Origin
United States, mid-20th century. It evolved from the Gin Rickey, which originated in Washington, D.C., in the 1880s.

Vodka Rickey

The drink is consistently known as the Vodka Rickey. It is a direct variation of the original Gin Rickey, where vodka replaces gin. Sometimes it might be generically referred to as a Lime Rickey if the spirit is not specified, but this is less common.
Original name
Vodka Rickey
Alternative name
Lime Rickey (with vodka)

Characteristics overview

This cocktail is defined by its crisp, tart lime flavor and bubbly texture, with a clean and dry finish. Its clear appearance and zesty aroma make it a quintessential refreshing summer drink.
Flavor
Tart, citrusy, crisp, clean, refreshing
Aroma
Lime, fresh, zesty
Taste balance
Sour, dry
Aftertaste
Clean, short, crisp
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Clear to slightly cloudy, pale
Texture
Light, watery, bubbly
Seasonality
Highly refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Vodka Rickey has a prominent sourness from fresh lime and high carbonation, with no sweetness. Its alcohol presence is moderate, resulting in a very crisp and clean flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need just three simple ingredients for a Vodka Rickey: vodka, freshly squeezed lime juice, and carbonated water. A high-quality vodka and fresh juice are key to the best result.
  • Vodka60 ml / 2 oz
    A neutral, high-quality vodka works best.
  • Lime Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed for the best flavor.
  • Carbonated Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to top
    Also known as soda water or club soda. Seltzer can also be used.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

This is a simple "build in the glass" cocktail, so you only need a highball glass, a jigger for measuring, and a bar spoon. A citrus juicer is essential for the fresh lime juice.
  • Highball glass (for building and serving)
  • Jigger or measuring tool (for measuring ingredients)
  • Bar spoon (for a gentle stir)
  • Citrus juicer (for juicing the lime)

Instructions

To make a Vodka Rickey, simply build the ingredients—vodka, fresh lime juice, and ice—in a highball glass. Top with carbonated water, give it a gentle stir, and garnish with a lime wedge.
1. Fill a highball glass completely with ice cubes.
2. Pour 60 ml (2 oz) of vodka over the ice.
3. Add 30 ml (1 oz) of freshly squeezed lime juice.
4. Top the glass with carbonated water (approximately 120 ml / 4 oz).
5. Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

Garnishing

A simple lime wedge is the classic and perfect garnish, which can be squeezed into the drink by the drinker for extra lime flavor.
  • Lime wedge (Place on the rim or drop into the drink)

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free of common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and soy. It is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, and can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free certified vodka.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a low-calorie cocktail, containing around 140 kcal, with minimal carbohydrates and sugar coming only from the natural lime juice.
Calories
Averagely 130-150 kcal / 544-628 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 2-4 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 1-2 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This drink is perfect for warm weather, making it ideal for summer parties, patio sipping, and casual get-togethers. Its light and refreshing nature also makes it a great choice for happy hour or as a simple afternoon cooler.
  • Summer party
  • Casual get-together
  • Afternoon drink
  • Happy hour

Pairing suggestions

The Vodka Rickey's crisp and tart profile pairs well with light and fresh foods. It is excellent with seafood like oysters and grilled shrimp, salty snacks, and salads. Its acidity helps cut through richness, making it a versatile food-pairing cocktail.
  • Light appetizers
  • Seafood, such as oysters or grilled shrimp
  • Salty snacks
  • Salads with vinaigrette dressing

The Vodka Rickey: A Study in Crisp Simplicity

The Vodka Rickey is a classic highball that epitomizes simplicity and refreshment. Comprised of just vodka, fresh lime juice, and carbonated water, it is a tart, dry, and sugar-free cocktail perfect for those who enjoy a clean and crisp drink. Its origins trace back to the Gin Rickey of the 19th century, with vodka taking the lead during its mid-20th-century boom. Served tall over ice, it is an ideal choice for warm days, casual sipping, and pairing with light fare.

Similar Cocktails

Gin Rickey

The original Rickey, using gin instead of vodka for a botanical flavor profile.

Vodka Soda

A simpler version with just vodka and soda water, served with a lime wedge to be squeezed in, rather than having the lime juice built in.

Vodka Collins

Similar but uses lemon juice instead of lime, and adds simple syrup, making it a sweeter drink from the Collins family.

Variations

Whiskey Rickey

Made with whiskey (often bourbon or rye) instead of vodka for a richer, spicier character.

Rum Rickey

Uses light rum as the base spirit, adding a hint of sugarcane sweetness.

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