Bourbon Rickey

The BOURBON RICKEY is a simple 2-ingredient cocktail anyone can make, with no bar tools required. It actually precedes the better-known Gin Rickey and dates back to the late 19th century. Originating in Washington D.C., the drink was named after lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey, who preferred cocktails without sugar. To this day, bourbon lovers can enjoy their favorite bourbon in a fizzy, ice-cold adaptation with just a squeeze of lime to freshen it up.

• 1.5 oz. bourbon
• 1/2 lime, freshly squeezed
• Sparkling water topper, highball glass

Squeeze 1/2 lime into a highball glass filled with ice and drop it in. Add bourbon and then fill with sparkling water to the top. Stir gently to combine.

History: Bourbon and sparkling water was Colonel Rickey’s starting mix. Reportedly, a bartender named George Williamson later added freshly squeezed lime juice, which caught on. The drink was named in Colonel Rickey’s honor.

Comments: The greatest fear of the bourbon aficionado is that the bourbon flavor will become diluted by the ice and sparkling water. However, while the bourbon is softened, the flavor can still be enjoyed and appreciated, especially if the ice doesn’t sit long enough to melt, making it easier on the constitution. This is similar to the scotch aficionado who might enjoy scotch and soda, or, in the case of Winston Churchill, scotch and water, where the scotch flavor is preserved while softening the drink.

Similar Cocktails:

Scotch & Soda — https://keetscocktails.com/scotch-soda/

Scotch Mist — https://keetscocktails.com/scotch-mist-2/

Morning Glory Fizz — https://keetscocktails.com/morning-glory-fizz/

Hot Toddy — https://keetscocktails.com/hot-toddy/

Whiskey Smash — https://keetscocktails.com/whiskey-smash-2/