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Grape Rickey Drink recipe

Cocktail glass

Unleash your inner mixologist with this Grape Rickey recipe! Made with 2 oz of grape vodka, 1/2 oz of lime juice, and topped off with soda water and lemon lime soda, this refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day. Don't have fresh juice on hand? No worries, just grab a manual or automatic squeezer. Impress your friends with this easy-to-make cocktail!


Grape Rickey Ingredients

Grape Rickey Equipment

  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

Grape Rickey Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Lime juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. stir the ingredients together with ice
  3. pour into glass

The Grape Rickey: A Refreshing Cocktail with a Twist

As a professional bartender, I have served countless cocktails throughout my career. However, one drink that always stands out to me is the Grape Rickey. This refreshing and fizzy cocktail has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. In this article, I will delve into the history and origins of the Grape Rickey, its popularity, the roles of its ingredients, how to garnish it, variations of the drink, common mistakes when making it, and more.

Popularity

The Grape Rickey is a variation of the classic Rickey cocktail, which is said to have originated in Washington D.C. in the late 1800s. The original Rickey cocktail consisted of gin, lime juice, and soda water. However, over time, other spirits and flavors were added, including grape vodka in the Grape Rickey.

The Grape Rickey is famous for its refreshing taste and unique combination of sweet and sour flavors. It's a perfect drink for a hot summer day or a night out with friends. It has gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the South and West regions.

The drink's appearance is also noteworthy. The vibrant purple color of the Grape Rickey is eye-catching and adds to its appeal.

Ingredient Roles

The Grape Rickey has only a few simple ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.

  • Grape Vodka: The star of the show, grape vodka adds a sweet and fruity flavor to the cocktail.
  • Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a sour and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the grape vodka.
  • Soda Water: Soda water adds a refreshing fizz to the cocktail and helps to balance the sweetness of the grape vodka.
  • Lemon Lime Soda: This is an optional ingredient that can be added to the Grape Rickey for a sweeter and fizzier taste.

How to Garnish

Garnishing the Grape Rickey is simple and can be done in a variety of ways. Here are a few options:

  • Lime Wedge: A classic garnish for any cocktail, a lime wedge adds a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma to the Grape Rickey.
  • Fresh Grapes: Adding a few fresh grapes to the cocktail adds a visual appeal and a burst of fruity flavor with every sip.
  • Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a refreshing aroma and a hint of herbal flavor to the cocktail.

Variations

The Grape Rickey is a versatile cocktail that can be modified to suit a variety of preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are a few variations that you can try:

  • Virgin/Mocktail Version: Omit the grape vodka and replace it with grape juice for a non-alcoholic version of the Grape Rickey.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Ensure that the grape vodka and lemon-lime soda used are gluten-free.
  • Vegan Version: Ensure that the grape vodka and lemon-lime soda used are vegan-friendly.
  • Keto Version: Replace the lemon-lime soda with a sugar-free alternative, such as Zevia, and omit the grape vodka or replace it with a low-carb alternative, such as vodka made from potatoes.
  • Low-Calorie Version: Replace the lemon-lime soda with a zero-calorie alternative, such as La Croix, and use a sugar-free grape vodka.

Common Mistakes When Making

Making the perfect Grape Rickey is relatively easy, but there are a few common mistakes that people tend to make. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the Grape Rickey:

  • Using Bottled Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is essential for the Grape Rickey, as bottled lime juice can contain preservatives that affect the flavor of the drink.
  • Skipping the Soda Water: The fizziness of the soda water is what makes the Grape Rickey refreshing, so skipping this ingredient will result in a flat and less enjoyable drink.
  • Using Too Much Grape Vodka: While the grape vodka is the star of the show, using too much can overpower the other flavors in the cocktail. Stick to the recommended 2 oz.
  • Over-Garnishing: While garnishing can add to the appearance and taste of the Grape Rickey, too much can overwhelm the drink. Stick to one or two garnishes at most.

In conclusion, the Grape Rickey is a refreshing and delicious cocktail that deserves a spot in your drink repertoire. With only a few simple ingredients and variations to suit a range of preferences, it's a great drink for any occasion. So, give it a try and let us know what you think!

If you are going to order Grape Rickey in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Grape Rickey can be served with different ingredients in different places.