Bourbon Rickey Cocktail

The bourbon rickey cocktail is a drink built with bourbon whiskey, lime juice, and soda water!

Bourbon Rickey Cocktail Info

There are many ways to leave your mark on the world, and naming your invention after yourself is one way!  Although Colonel Joe Rickey did not receive a monument in Washington, D.C., he did receive a cocktail. That's almost as great!

The Bourbon Rickey cocktail was named after the Democratic lobbyist who lived in Washington during the late 19th century. According to legend, he used to drink at Shoomaker's bar. Because Mr. Rickey preferred drinks without sugar, he often requested simple combinations of bourbon and sparkling water. This simple combination could be refreshing during pre-A/C days when suits were worn all summer.

George Williamson, an accommodating bartender, added freshly squeezed lime juice to the highball of choice for Rickey, and thus the Bourbon Rickey was created. This serendipitous trio can be described as a Whiskey Sour (whiskey, citrus, and sugar) or a Whiskey Collins (whiskey, sparkling water, sugar, and lemon). It is tart, dry, and thirst-quenching. Make one at home by choosing your favorite bourbon to mix. A good bottle of sparkling water and fresh lime juice is essential to give your drink that bubbly taste. If you need whiskey recommendations for your bourbon Rickey I would suggest you check out Whisky World, they have a bunch of whiskey reviews that could help you find your perfect match!

Although the Bourbon Rickey is a historical drink, it didn't become popular until the 1890s, when it was made more often with gin rather than bourbon. This trend has continued, and the Gin Rickey remains much more popular among consumers and barkeeps. But we shall not forget where the gin rickey originated from, and if you have not tried the bourbon rickey, you defiantly should.