Gin Rickey (District of Columbia)

The gin rickey is a refreshing and classic highball that dates back to the turn of the 20th century. Designed to have a tart flavour profile, as it features zero sugar, it's an easy mixed drink recipe that requires just three ingredients. It's one of the most invigorating gin cocktails you can mix up and as far as alcoholic mixed drinks, one of the lowest in calories, too. The mix is simple: Choose your favourite gin, add a healthy dose of lime, and fill the glass with soda water. It's similar to the gin and tonic, gin buck, and gin fizz. Each differs only by the soda used, though the fizz does have a few extra ingredients. They make a great set of mixed drinks for any gin lover.

The story goes that the rickey was created at Shoemaker's in Washington D.C., a popular hangout spot for congressmen. It was named after Colonel "Joe" Rickey, a lobbyist who died in 1903 and who was known for entertaining elected officials in the area lounges.

2 oz gin (60 mL)
½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed and shell included (15 mL)
4 oz club soda (120 mL)

Garnish:
lime wedge

Fill a highball glass with ice.

Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice.

Top with club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.

Makes 1 cocktail.

Cook's Notes:

• VARIATIONS: To add a little extra tartness, wet the rim of your glass with the lime wedge by running it around the edge. With each drink, you get an extra spark and it's a fantastic way to cleanse your palate during a meal.
  
• METHOD: Although the cocktail should be mixed, some recipes instruct that you shake the lime juice and the spirit, then strain it into a glass and top it with soda water.
• DRINKWARE: A highball glass is the typical choice, but a goblet or a wine glass are often used as well.
• GARNISH: Although the basic recipe does not call for any garnishes, some like to use a lime wedge or a lime wheel as decoration.