Revitalize your taste buds with our zesty Lemon Rickey drink recipe! Made with refreshing soda water, tangy lemon liqueur, and a splash of fresh lemon juice, this thirst-quenching cocktail is perfect for any occasion. Served over ice with a touch of lemon peel, it's the ultimate summer sipper. Ideal for beginner bartenders, impress your guests with this simple yet sophisticated drink. Mix it up and enjoy the refreshing taste of summer!
Lemon Rickey Ingredients
- 30 ml Lemon Liqueur Bass And Flinders
- 15 ml Lemon juice
- 55 ml soda water
- 190 ml Ice
- Lemon Peel
Lemon Rickey Equipment
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Lemon Rickey Recipe
- optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- mix the ingredients together with ice
- fill Highball glass half full with ice cubes
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.The Lemon Rickey: A Classic Refreshing Cocktail
If you're a fan of refreshing, citrusy drinks, then you've likely heard of the Lemon Rickey. This classic cocktail has been around for over a century and continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a simple yet flavorful drink. As a professional bartender and blog editor, I'm excited to share with you the history, ingredients, variations, and common mistakes when making the Lemon Rickey.
Popularity
The Lemon Rickey has been around since the late 1800s and was originally created in Washington, D.C. by bartender George A. Williamson. The cocktail quickly gained popularity and became a favorite of politicians and socialites in the area. The drink's popularity spread to other parts of the country and eventually became a staple in bars and restaurants across America.
The Lemon Rickey is famous for its refreshing citrus flavor and simple ingredients. It's a light and bubbly drink that's perfect for a hot summer day or as a pre-dinner cocktail. The cocktail is typically served in a highball glass with a lemon peel garnish, giving it a classic and sophisticated appearance.
Ingredient Roles
The Lemon Rickey is made with just a few simple ingredients: lemon liqueur, lemon juice, soda water, and ice. The lemon liqueur is the star of the show, providing the drink with its signature citrus flavor. The lemon juice adds an extra kick of sourness, while the soda water gives the cocktail its bubbly texture. The ice is essential for keeping the drink chilled and refreshing.
When it comes to the lemon liqueur, I recommend using Bass and Flinders, a high-quality Australian brand. This liqueur is made with locally sourced lemons and has a bright and zesty flavor. If you can't find Bass and Flinders in your area, any high-quality lemon liqueur will work.
How to Garnish
To garnish the Lemon Rickey, simply cut a thin strip of lemon peel and twist it over the top of the drink. This will release the oils from the peel and enhance the lemon flavor. You can also add a slice of lemon to the edge of the glass for an extra pop of color.
Variations
While the classic Lemon Rickey is delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
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Virgin/Mocktail Version: Simply omit the lemon liqueur and add a splash of lemon juice to soda water and ice for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
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Gluten-Free Version: Make sure to use gluten-free lemon liqueur and soda water. Bass and Flinders is gluten-free, but be sure to check the label of any other brands you use.
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Vegan Version: The Lemon Rickey is already vegan-friendly, but be sure to double-check the ingredients of your chosen lemon liqueur to ensure it's vegan.
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Keto Version: Use a sugar-free lemon liqueur and swap the soda water for sparkling water to make this cocktail keto-friendly.
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Low-Calorie Version: Use a low-calorie lemon liqueur and soda water to keep the calorie count down. You can also add a splash of fresh grapefruit juice for an extra burst of flavor.
Common Mistakes When Making
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Using bottled lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for getting the best flavor in your Lemon Rickey. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it can have a sour and artificial taste.
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Not using enough ice: The Lemon Rickey is meant to be a refreshing and chilled drink. Make sure to use plenty of ice to keep the cocktail cold and bubbly.
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Overpouring the lemon liqueur: While the lemon liqueur is the star of the show, it's important not to overdo it. Stick to the recipe and use the recommended amount to avoid overpowering the other flavors in the drink.
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Skipping the garnish: The lemon peel garnish is not just for show – it adds an extra burst of flavor to the cocktail. Don't skip this step!
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Using low-quality ingredients: The Lemon Rickey is a simple cocktail, but that doesn't mean you can skimp on the ingredients. Choose high-quality lemon liqueur and soda water to get the best flavor.
In conclusion, the Lemon Rickey is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. With its refreshing citrus flavor and simple ingredients, it's no wonder why this drink continues to be a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, the Lemon Rickey is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Just remember to avoid common mistakes when making it, and you'll be sure to impress your guests with this delicious drink. Cheers!
If you are going to order Lemon Rickey in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Lemon Rickey can be served with different ingredients in different places.