Classic: Gin Rickey

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Preparation info
  • Makes

    1

    Drink
    • Difficulty

      Easy

Appears in
Spirits of '76: Celebrating 250 Years with Cocktails from Every State

By Kim Laidlaw

Published 2026

  • About

The gin Rickey is Washington, DC’s official native cocktail, born in the late nineteenth century at Shoomaker’s bar. It was named after Democratic lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey, who preferred his whiskey with soda and lime—though gin soon became the norm. Refreshing and low in sugar, it’s a classic capital-city cooler.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • ½ ounce fresh lime juice
  • 4 ounces

Method

Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the gin and lime juice. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with the lime wedge and serve.