Whiskey Rickey
The Whiskey Rickey is the whiskey-based counterpart to the more famous Gin Rickey. It's a straightforward and bracing cocktail that combines the rich, complex notes of bourbon or rye whiskey with the sharp, acidic bite of fresh lime juice, all lightened and lengthened by effervescent club soda. This drink is intentionally unsweetened, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a dry, tart, and refreshing beverage. Its simplicity is its greatest strength, allowing the character of the chosen whiskey to shine through.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Whiskey Rickey is classified as a highball cocktail, a category of simple, tall drinks composed of a base spirit and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, served over ice in a highball glass. It's a classic example of the "Rickey" family of cocktails, which are characterized by their use of lime juice and carbonated water without any added sugar.
Serving
The Whiskey Rickey is served cold over plenty of ice in a tall Highball glass to maintain its chill and effervescence. With a moderate alcohol content, it's a refreshing and easy-drinking cocktail.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 12-15% 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The original Rickey was created in the 1880s in Washington, D.C., for a lobbyist named Colonel Joe Rickey, and was originally made with bourbon. However, the gin version quickly surpassed it in popularity, becoming the default Rickey for many decades. The Whiskey Rickey represents a return to the drink's roots, swapping gin back out for American whiskey. It remains a timeless classic, embodying the simple elegance of early American cocktails.
Origin
The Whiskey Rickey is a variation of the original Rickey, which originated in the United States in the 1880s. While the gin version became more famous, the whiskey version follows the original formula and has been enjoyed since the late 19th or early 20th century. It is a quintessential American highball.
Whiskey Rickey
The Whiskey Rickey is most commonly known by its primary name, but it is sometimes specified by the type of whiskey used, such as a Bourbon Rickey or Rye Rickey. Unlike drinks with more storied names, its moniker is straightforward, indicating the base spirit in the classic "Rickey" template. The name is a direct and functional description of the cocktail.
Original name
Whiskey Rickey
Alternative names
- Bourbon Rickey
- Rye Rickey
Characteristics overview
This drink is defined by its bright, tart lime flavor and refreshing fizziness, all built upon the warm, complex base of whiskey. Its aroma is dominated by fresh citrus and the underlying notes of the spirit, leading to a clean, dry, and utterly thirst-quenching experience.
Flavor
Tart, citrusy, crisp, whiskey-forward, oaky (with bourbon), spicy (with rye)
Aroma
Fresh lime, grain, vanilla, caramel (from bourbon)
Taste balance
Sour, dry, hint of sweetness
Aftertaste
Clean, short, refreshing, zesty
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Pale gold to amber (depending on the whiskey), clear, sparkling
Texture
Light, crisp, watery
Seasonality
Refreshing, thirst-quenching, summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is dominated by a sharp sourness from the fresh lime, balanced by the moderate alcohol presence of the whiskey. It is a very dry drink with high carbonation and virtually no sweetness, making it incredibly crisp.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need a base of American whiskey (either bourbon or rye), the juice of half a fresh lime, and a chilled bottle of club soda or other sparkling water. The quality of each simple ingredient directly impacts the final drink.
- Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)60 ml / 2 ozBourbon will create a slightly sweeter, rounder Rickey, while Rye will make it spicier and drier. Both are excellent choices.
- Fresh Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 ozJuice from half a lime. Freshly squeezed is essential for the bright, tart flavor.
- Club Soda120 ml / 4 oz, or to topUse a good quality, highly carbonated club soda or sparkling mineral water.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment like a shaker is needed, as this drink is built directly in the serving glass. A jigger for measuring and a bar spoon for stirring are all you require.
- Jigger or measuring tool for precise liquid measurement.
- Citrus juicer or your hands to squeeze the lime.
- Bar spoon for a gentle stir.
Instructions
This cocktail is built directly in the glass for maximum simplicity. Combine whiskey and fresh lime juice over ice in a highball glass, top with club soda, and give it a quick, gentle stir before serving.
1. Fill a highball glass with ice cubes to chill it.
2. Pour the whiskey 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 the glass with chilled club soda.
6. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing carbonation.
7. Optionally, garnish with an extra lime wedge on the rim and serve immediately.
Garnishing
The traditional garnish for a Rickey is the squeezed lime half dropped directly into the glass, which adds extra lime oils and aroma. An additional lime wedge on the rim can be added for visual appeal.
- Spent lime shell, dropped into the drink after squeezing.
- Lime wedge or wheel, placed on the rim of the glass (optional).
Dietary Information
This cocktail is vegan, dairy-free, and caffeine-free. Note that while the distillation process removes gluten proteins, the base ingredient for most whiskey is gluten-containing grains, which may be a concern for individuals with severe sensitivity.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Whiskey Rickey is a relatively low-calorie and low-sugar cocktail, as it contains no added sweeteners. The minimal carbohydrates and sugar come entirely from the small amount of fresh lime juice.
Calories
Averagely 140-160 kcal / 585-670 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 4g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 2-4g
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an ideal drink for warm weather, perfect for sipping on a porch or at a casual barbecue. Its refreshing and simple nature makes it a great choice for happy hour or as a simple aperitif to stimulate the appetite before a meal.
- Summer afternoon
- Casual get-together
- Happy hour
- Pre-dinner drink (Aperitif)
Pairing suggestions
The drink's tart and cleansing profile pairs wonderfully with salty, fatty, or fried foods, as it cuts through richness and refreshes the palate. It's a versatile food companion for casual fare, acting much like a squeeze of lime on a dish.
- Salty snacks like pretzels, nuts, or popcorn.
- Fried chicken or french fries.
- Grilled fish or chicken tacos.
- Light appetizers like cheese and crackers.
The Whiskey Rickey: A Refreshing Return to Classic Simplicity
The Whiskey Rickey is a testament to the idea that simplicity often equals elegance. As a sugar-free highball, it offers a purely refreshing experience, highlighting the interplay between the chosen whiskey and fresh lime. It's an effortlessly cool, classic American cocktail perfect for those who appreciate a drier, tarter drink. Easy to make and even easier to drink, the Whiskey Rickey is a timeless choice for any occasion that calls for a simple, satisfying refreshment.
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