When it comes to making drinks, sometimes a classic cocktail can get even better with a little creativity. The Gin Rickey is a timeless favorite, made with fresh lime juice, known for its fizzy, refreshing taste. But what if we add some fruity fun to it? Let’s make a special version by mixing grapefruit juice, mashed strawberries, and bubbly Topo Chico.
If you are a fan of light and fresh strawberry cocktails, you are sure to love this Gin Rickey! Other strawberry cocktails to try are: Daiquiri de Fresa (Strawberry Daiquiri) or Strawberry Moscow Mule (Skinny!).
Reasons you will love this Gin Rickey:
Let’s Talk Ingredients:
1. Fresh Grapefruit Juice:
Imagine the sour-sweet taste of grapefruit juice freshly squeezed from the fruit. It gives our drink a tangy kick that works great with gin.
2. Mashed Strawberries:
We’re going to crush some strawberries to add a sweet and fruity flavor. It’s like a burst of summertime in every sip.
3. Bubbly Topo Chico:
Topo Chico, or any club soda you like, brings the bubbles! It makes the drink lively and extra refreshing.
How to Make the Yummy Grapefruit Gin Rickey:
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Gin
- 2 ounce of Fresh Grapefruit Juice
- 3 Fresh Strawberries (without the green tops)
- Topo Chico or your favorite fizzy water
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Slices of grapefruit or strawberries to make it look pretty
Steps:
- Take a glass and put in the strawberries. Give them a good crush with something like the back of a spoon or a muddler.
- Add some ice cubes to the glass.
- Pour in the gin and the fresh grapefruit juice.
- Mix everything up by stirring or swirling the glass gently.
- Fill the rest of the glass with Topo Chico or your fizzy water of choice.
- Give it a little stir to mix everything together.
- You can make it look fancy by adding a slice of grapefruit or a strawberry on the rim of the glass.
When was the first Gin Rickey Served?
The original Rickey is believed to have been created and popularized in the late 19th century, specifically in the late 1800s. Its origins are often associated with a Washington D.C. bar where it gained prominence as a refreshing cocktail. While the exact date of its inception may not be pinpointed, historical accounts attribute its creation to bartender George Williamson at Shoemaker’s Bar in the nation’s capital during that era. It’s known to have become popular as a highball drink by the 1890s and quickly spread across bars and clubs, eventually becoming a classic libation. A true gin lover that wanted a gin drink in a tall glass on a hot day was who this simple cocktail was invented for. The classic gin Rickey cocktail has lime juice, dry gin and carbinated water. This is a bit of a riff on the gin gimlet, but has lots of ice and zero sugar (refined sugar). The key is to use a good gin, unsweetened lime juice seltzer water, and of course lime slices for a garnish.
Highball Drink History:
Highball cocktails gained popularity during the late 19th century and early 20th century. The term “highball” originally referred to a drink made with a spirit (typically whiskey) and a larger proportion of a non-alcoholic mixer, such as soda water or ginger ale, served over ice in a tall glass. This style of drink became popular in the late 1800s and continued to rise in popularity throughout the early 1900s.
The highball gained traction for several reasons. It was easy to make, often used affordable simple ingredients, and its refreshing nature made it appealing to a wide audience. The highball’s simplicity and adaptability led to its widespread popularity in bars and homes alike. It became a favored choice for those seeking a lighter and more casual alcoholic beverage compared to some of the more complex cocktails of the time.
What are the Best Gins to make a Gin Rickey with?
Different types of gin can be used for a Gin Rickey. It is up to your personal preference
- Beefeater London Dry Gin: A classic choice with a well-balanced flavor profile, featuring juniper-forward notes complemented by citrus and spice.
- Bombay Sapphire: A floral gin is known for its smoothness and balanced botanical blend, making it suitable for various cocktails, including the Gin Rickey. This is my personal favorite.
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin: Recognized for its bold juniper flavor, Tanqueray has a classic, robust taste that stands out in cocktails.
- Hendrick’s Gin: Although slightly less traditional, Hendrick’s offers a unique infusion of rose and cucumber alongside traditional gin botanicals, adding a floral and refreshing touch to Rickey Cocktails.
- Plymouth Gin: A slightly earthier and less juniper-forward gin, Plymouth offers a smoother and slightly sweeter flavor profile, which can bring a different dimension to the cocktail.
- No.3 London Dry Gin: This gin is crafted with juniper, citrus, and spice, providing a balanced and versatile option for mixing in cocktails like the Gin Rickey.
Remember, the best gin for a Gin Rickey ultimately depends on individual taste preferences. Some prefer a more traditional juniper-forward gin, while others might enjoy a gin with more subtle botanicals or unique flavor profiles. Experimenting with different gins can be a fun way to discover your preferred taste in a Gin Rickey.
Does the type of carbonated water matter?
Yes! It matters! Use what you normally drink. Wether you make your own, or buy it bottled or canned. If you want to know what we prefer, hands down Topo Chico. Topo Chico Agua Mineral has been bottled at its source, an inactive volcano in Monterrey, since 1895. Bottlers add only enough carbonation to replace any of the natural bubbles lost during purification. It is so fizzy, if you don’t finish a bottle and put it in the fridge, open, it will still be fizzy the next day!
Perfect Pairings to go with this Gin Rickey Cocktail:
🧀 Appetizers
-
Sweet & Savory Baked Brie Bites
These delightful bites combine creamy brie with sweet and savory flavors, wrapped in puff pastry for a perfect start to your gathering.
👉 Recipe Link -
Smoked Salmon Spread
A silky blend of smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon, and herbs, this spread offers a luxurious taste that pairs well with the cocktail’s citrus notes.
👉 Recipe Link -
Corn Dip with Cream Cheese & Smoked Poblano Pepper
A creamy, cheesy dip with a smoky kick from roasted poblano peppers, perfect for dipping and sharing.
👉 Recipe Link
Equipment
- cocktail glass
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Gin
- 2 ounce Grapefruit Juice freshly squeezed
- 4 Strawberries without the green tops
- 2 ounces Sparkling water
- Ice
Instructions
- Place 3 strawberries in a glass. Give them a good muddle, breaking them up.
- Add some ice cubes to the glass.
- Pour in the gin and the fresh grapefruit juice.
- Stir the gin and juice to encorporate the strawberries.
- Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water.
- Add the last strawberry to the rim of the glass, as garnish
Nutrition
Bottom Line:
This new Grapefruit Gin Rickey with mashed strawberries and bubbly Topo Chico is a fun twist on a classic drink. It’s like sipping sunshine! You’ll taste the tangy grapefruit, the sweetness of strawberries, and feel the fizzy bubbles dancing on your tongue.
It’s not just a drink; it’s a way to enjoy something different, to play with flavors, and to have a good time. So, gather your ingredients, mix things up, and have fun creating a delicious drink that’s perfect for enjoying with friends or on a lazy afternoon. Cheers to making something special and enjoying every sip!
Other Cocktails to try!
Strawberry Moscow Mule (Skinny!)
Such a delicious combination of flavours! This cocktail was a huge hit with our friends last weekend!
Elaine and James,
So glad you liked it! It is a light cocktail, perfect for the warm weather!
Dina and Bruce