GIN RICKEY
The Gin Rickey: The 1880s Washington D.C. Highball That Beat the Heat
The Rickey was created in the early 1880s by bartender George A. Williamson at Shoomaker's bar in Washington D.C. The drink was named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a Democratic lobbyist and bourbon drinker who frequented the establishment. The original Rickey used bourbon, but gin quickly became the more popular base spirit, and the Gin Rickey eventually overshadowed the bourbon version.
What made the Rickey revolutionary for its time was the absence of sugar. Most cocktails in the 1880s included some form of sweetener, but the Rickey relied solely on the tartness of fresh lime and the dilution from soda water and ice. This made it particularly refreshing during Washington's sweltering summers and appealing to those who wanted a lighter drink.
The Rickey became hugely popular in Washington political circles and spread throughout the country by the 1890s. It was considered a sophisticated summer drink and appeared on bar menus across America. The drink's simplicity meant it could be made quickly and consistently, contributing to its widespread adoption.
What makes the Gin Rickey work is its clean, uncomplicated flavor profile. The lime provides all the flavor beyond the gin's botanicals, while the soda water adds effervescence and length without sweetness. The drink is built directly in the glass, making it easy to prepare and allowing drinkers to adjust the proportions to taste.
The Gin Rickey experienced a resurgence during the low-carb diet trends of the early 2000s and again during the craft cocktail movement as bartenders appreciated its simplicity and the quality of ingredients it showcased.
RECIPE:
2 oz gin
½ fresh lime
4-5 oz soda water
Lime wedge for garnish
Method:
Fill highball glass with ice
Add gin
Squeeze lime half directly into glass and drop in
Top with soda water
Stir gently once
Garnish with lime wedge