Brooke Caison is the food editor at Delish, where she develops and styles original recipes, writes the weekly membership newsletter, and appears as occasional on-camera talent for Delish's YouTube channel. She's obsessed with the idea of bringing restaurant methods to the home cook with foolproof techniques and organized cooking (like how to safely shuck a clam or tackle a complex baking project). A graduate of ICE, she was previously a line cook, hospitality manager for the opening season of Little Island, and culinary assistant to Top Chef judge and food expert Gail Simmons. Her work has also appeared on Martha Stewart. There's no food she won’t try, but cranberry whipped feta dip has her heart.
Of all the gin drinks we’ve had, we’re into this one the most. Crafted with ingredients you already have in your fridge, the gin rickey is as refreshing as it is simple to make and, not to mention, low-carb! So if you have limes, club soda, and gin, you’re well on your way!
Invented in the mid-1880s in Washington, DC, this classic drink has woven itself into the city's fabric, earning the distinction of being Washington’s native cocktail. It was allegedly inspired by a conversation at the historic bar Shoomaker’s between bartender George Williamson and lobbyist Col. Joseph Rickey about a popular Caribbean drink that combined rum, lime, and sugar (shoutout to the daiquiri!). They opted for whiskey instead of rum, removed the sugar, and topped it with club soda to make the first iteration of the rickey. As gin rose to popularity, the drink came to feature the floral spirit, soon surpassing the original rickey in popularity.
A rickey is simply poured over ice and enjoyed, making this low-lift, refreshing cocktail essential for surviving a summer heatwave. A true gin rickey is all about balancing tart lime with herby, floral gin to create a perfectly balanced drink. That said, it doesn’t need sugar, but you can add a splash of simple syrup if you’re in the mood for something sweet. If you're looking for lemon instead of lime, try a Tom Collins.
Have you made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
- 1 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 5 mins
- Total Time:
- 5 mins
Ingredients
Ice cubes
- 2 oz.
London Dry gin
- 1/2 oz.
fresh lime juice
Club soda, for topping
Pinch of kosher salt (optional)
Lime wedge or wheel, for serving
Directions
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add gin and lime juice, then top off with club soda. Sprinkle with salt, if using, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Be sure to wash the limes you plan to use for garnish!