Gin Rickey Recipe: Gin, Lime & Soda — No Syrup Needed
Approx. 4 min read
Gin Rickey recipe: just three ingredients
Recipe details
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 2 minutes
- Tools: Jigger or small measuring cup, long spoon
- Glass: Highball
- Taste: Crisp, tart, dry and fizzy
- Serves: 1 cocktail
- Best served: Very cold, over plenty of ice
Ingredients
- 50 ml gin (1.7 oz), ideally London Dry
- 15 ml fresh lime juice (0.5 oz)
- 90-120 ml chilled, unsweetened soda water (3-4 oz)
- Plenty of fresh ice
- Lime wedge or wheel, optional
How to make it
- Fill a highball glass generously with ice.
- Pour in the gin and freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Slowly add 90 ml (3 oz) of chilled soda water. Add a little more if you prefer a lighter, longer drink.
- Give the drink one gentle stir. Garnish with a lime wheel, or slip in the squeezed lime half for a classic touch, then serve straight away.
Love My Drink tip: Keep the soda water properly cold and open it just before pouring. Add it last, then stir lightly. You want those bubbles in the glass, not escaping while you mix.
Why a Gin Rickey doesn't need syrup
The lack of syrup is not an omission. It is what makes a Rickey a Rickey. Fresh lime gives the drink a lively, tart edge; soda water makes it longer and softer to sip without adding sweetness; and gin brings the botanical flavour. Nothing needs to be hidden.
The result is intentionally dry, not sweet-and-sour. This recipe has no added syrup or sweetened mixer, although the lime naturally contains a small amount of sugar. If you would rather have a touch of sweetness with your gin and lime, try a Gimlet with fresh lime instead.
The easy way to adjust your Gin Rickey
Start with the recipe above, then change one thing at a time. A few millilitres can make a noticeable difference in a drink this simple.
- More gin-forward: Stay at 90 ml (3 oz) soda water. The gin will feel a little more pronounced.
- Longer and lighter: Top up to 120 ml (4 oz) soda water. The drink becomes gentler without turning sweet.
- Extra tart: Increase the fresh lime juice to 20 ml (0.7 oz). Keep the gin the same and taste before adding anything else.
A London Dry gin is an excellent starting point because its juniper and citrus notes stand up to lime. A citrus-forward gin can be lovely too. There is no need to buy a special bottle for this one.
Gin Rickey vs Gin & Tonic vs Tom Collins
These are all easy gin drinks, but the mixer and citrus make them taste quite different.
- Gin Rickey: Gin, fresh lime and unsweetened soda water. Tart, dry and free of added syrup.
- Gin & Tonic: Gin and tonic water, usually with a citrus garnish. Tonic brings quinine bitterness and usually some sweetness.
- Tom Collins: Gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and soda water. Lemony, fizzy and a little sweeter than a Rickey.
A Gin Fizz is another close relative, but it is usually shaken with lemon and syrup before being topped with soda. A Rickey takes the simpler route: build it over ice, give it a gentle stir and enjoy.
Gin Rickey FAQ
Can I use tonic water instead of soda water?
You can, but it changes the drink. Tonic usually contains sweetener and brings a distinct bitterness from quinine. For the clean, dry Gin Rickey taste, use plain, unsweetened soda water.
What gin works best for a Gin Rickey?
London Dry gin is an easy, reliable choice. Its juniper-led character stands up nicely to fresh lime. If you enjoy a more citrus-forward gin, use that; the important thing is starting with a gin you like.
Can I use sparkling water instead of soda water?
Yes. Plain, unsweetened sparkling water works well. Keep it chilled and pour it just before serving for plenty of fizz. Avoid sweetened or flavoured varieties if you want that classic dry finish.
This is the kind of drink you’ll come back to when you want something fresh without any fuss. Make one, settle in, and enjoy the bright lime and lively bubbles. If that crisp, sparkling style is your thing, try our easy Ranch Water recipe with tequila next.
