Lime Rickey Recipe
Get ready to experience the most refreshing drink you’ll make all summer! This classic Lime Rickey combines zesty citrus, effervescent bubbles, and optional spirits for a perfectly balanced sipper that’ll have you feeling like you’re relaxing at a vintage soda fountain.
What makes this Lime Rickey special is its incredible versatility – make it boozy with gin or whiskey for a sophisticated cocktail, or keep it alcohol-free with clever additions like caper brine that add complexity without the spirits. The key is using fresh lime juice for that perfect punch of citrus.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1½ ounces (3 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
- 4 ounces (½ cup) soda water
- Ice for serving (clear ice recommended)
Choose Your Style:
- For Cocktail: 3 ounces gin or whiskey
- For Mocktail: ¼ teaspoon caper juice or pickle juice, OR ½ ounce simple syrup
For Garnish:
- Fresh lime wedges
Steps
- In a highball glass, combine the 1½ ounces fresh lime juice with your choice of mixer (either 3 ounces spirits for cocktail version or non-alcoholic additions for mocktail). Stir gently with a bar spoon until well combined.
- Fill the glass with ice (using clear ice will make your drink look extra professional and melt more slowly). Carefully pour in the 4 ounces of soda water, allowing the bubbles to settle between pours to prevent overflow.
- Garnish with fresh lime wedges, squeezing them slightly over the drink to release their oils before dropping them in. Serve immediately while bubbles are at their peak.
Smart Swaps
- Use coconut water instead of soda water for natural sweetness and electrolytes
- Try fresh grapefruit juice in place of lime for a different citrus twist
- Substitute kombucha for soda water to add probiotics and complex flavor
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Use sugar-free simple syrup (1:1 ratio) for mocktail version
- Replace soda water with sparkling mineral water for added minerals
- Add a pinch of monk fruit sweetener if desired (0g carbs)
- Total carbs per serving without alcohol: 4g (all from fresh lime juice)
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the drink
- Roll limes on the counter before juicing to extract maximum juice
- For clear ice, use directional freezing in an insulated cooler
- Always add carbonated ingredients last to maintain maximum fizz