Classic Cocktails: The Gin Rickey

I recently found myself at an event and had an interesting encounter with the staff. After several minutes of pleasantries I found myself at the bar, trying to place an order for something that is on offer. Whisky smash? No mint. Manhattan? Sorry, no bitters. How about a martini I ask, no vermouth.

Trying not to be impolite I run through a standard cocktail menu in my head as I suddenly recall the rickey, no not Rickey from gradeschool, the category of highballs perfectly suited to this very issue. Gin rickey I beckon, and sure enough the bartender nods and begins to pour.

The gin rickey has a sour citrus overtone without causing the lip-smacking sting of an overly acidic drink. The club soda works excellent to pull this beverage into relative balance.

Ingredients:

½ oz. lime juice

2 oz. london dry gin

4 oz. club soda

Directions:

Fill a highball glass with ice.

Add the lime juice followed by the gin, and lastly the club soda.

Stir lightly and garnish with a lime wheel if desired.