description Rickey Overview
The Rickey is an American highball made with a base spirit, fresh lime, and carbonated water. The original drink is generally associated with Washington, D.C., where bartender George A. Williamson is credited with making it for lobbyist Joe Rickey in 1883; bourbon was the original spirit, and the lime was squeezed into the glass and left in it. Unlike a sour, the classic Rickey contains no added sugar, giving it a dry, tart profile.
help Rickey FAQ
What is a Rickey cocktail made with?
A Rickey is an American highball made with a base spirit, fresh lime, and carbonated water. The original version used bourbon, although gin is now one of the best-known variations.
Where did the Rickey originate?
The drink is generally associated with Washington, D.C., where bartender George A. Williamson is credited with making it for lobbyist Joe Rickey in 1883. That origin is why the cocktail is often called a Washington Rickey.
Was the original Rickey made with bourbon or gin?
The original Rickey was made with bourbon, lime, and carbonated water. The gin version became especially popular later and is commonly called a gin Rickey.
How is a Rickey different from a Collins?
A Rickey uses lime and carbonated water without the sweet syrup that defines a Tom Collins. That makes the Rickey drier and more sharply acidic than a typical Collins.
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