Unwind with this simple Bourbon Rickey recipe! This refreshing cocktail is for fall, crafted with bourbon, lime juice, and soda water.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
136
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bourbon
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz Club soda - to top up
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel or wedge - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Bar spoon or long stirrer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a highball glass with a generous amount of ice cubes. Give it a quick stir.
- Add Lime Juice: Pour ¾ oz fresh lime juice into the ice filled glass.
- Add Bourbon: Add 2 oz Bourbon.
- Top with Club Soda: Fill the rest of the glass with approx. 4 oz Club soda, adjusting to taste and the glass size.
- Stir: Give it a quick stir to mix everything.
- Garnish: Add a lime wheel or wedge on top for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Bourbon: You can use rye whiskey or dark rum if you don't have bourbon. Both will give a different flavor profile but still work well in this cocktail.
- Lime: If limes aren't available, lemons can be used instead. The taste will be slightly different but still refreshing.
- Club Soda: You can substitute club soda with carbonated water like seltzer or sparkling water.
Making a Pitcher of Bourbon Rickey:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon and 6 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Mix: Combine the bourbon and juice from the limes in a large pitcher. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, top each with club soda (approx. 4 oz), garnish with a lime wheel or wedge, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute. Several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol. If you’re feeling crafty, you can also make your own bourbon substitute by infusing together rooibos tea and a bunch of spices of your liking (vanilla and cinnamon are always a good way to start). Mix all the ingredients together, add hot water, cover, and let it infuse for at least 3h (the stronger the better, so if you have time let it infuse overnight. In that case, you can either let it rest in the fridge once the liquid has cooled down). Give it a taste, adjust the spice level if necessary, and strain it once you’re happy with the result. Stored properly (in an airtight container in the fridge), this “tea-whiskey” can be kept for up to a week.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Check Your Bourbon: Most bourbons are vegan, but some brands use animal products in their processing methods. Check with the manufacturer if you need clarification.
- Proceed As Usual: Once you've confirmed your bourbon is vegan-friendly, follow the original steps to enjoy a refreshing vegan Bourbon Rickey.
What is a Bourbon Rickey?
A Bourbon Rickey is a whiskey-based cocktail made of bourbon, fresh lime juice, and club soda. It’s easy to make as it only requires three ingredients and no special equipment or techniques. The Bourbon Rickey is a variant of the classic Gin Rickey, substituting gin with bourbon for a richer, deeper flavor profile. This cocktail is often enjoyed during summer due to its refreshing qualities.
What is a Bourbon Rickey made of – The ingredients
You will require these ingredients to craft a Bourbon Rickey:
- Bourbon: This is the cocktail’s base spirit, providing a rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
- Lime Juice: Adds a tangy citrus element to balance out the sweetness of the bourbon.
- Club Soda: Gives the cocktail its characteristic fizz and lightens the flavor profile.
- Ice Cubes: Used to chill the drink without diluting it too much.
- Lime Wheel or Wedge (for garnish): Enhances presentation and adds a hint of citrus aroma.
