Are you looking for a simple yet refreshing cocktail to beat the heat? The Rum Rickey might be just what you need.
This classic drink combines the boldness of rum with the bright zing of lime and the fizzy punch of club soda. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this timeless drink.
What Is a Rum Rickey?
The Rum Rickey is a straightforward highball cocktail that brings together rum, fresh lime juice, and club soda.
The result? A drink that’s tart, crisp, and perfect for warm weather. The beauty of this cocktail lies in its simplicity – just a few ingredients create a drink with remarkable flavor.
Rum Rickey Ingredients
To make a classic Rum Rickey, you’ll need:
- 2 oz dark or light rum (your choice)
- 1/2 lime, cut into wedges
- Club soda to fill
- Ice cubes
- Optional: 1/2 oz simple syrup (if you prefer a sweeter drink)
How to Make a Rum Rickey
Making this cocktail is quick and easy:
- Fill a highball glass with ice
- Squeeze the lime wedges into the glass and drop them in
- Pour in the rum
- Top with club soda
- Give it a quick stir
- If desired, add simple syrup to taste
Total prep time: Less than 2 minutes
The Story Behind the Rum Rickey
The Rickey cocktail family started with the Gin Rickey in Washington, D.C., during the 1880s. A Democratic lobbyist named Colonel Joe Rickey created the original version with bourbon, though it later became more popular with gin.
The Rum Rickey emerged as people began to experiment with the formula. During Prohibition (1920-1933), rum became a common substitute since it was often easier to get through Caribbean smuggling routes than other spirits.
The drink gained popularity for its refreshing qualities and became a go-to summer cocktail. Its simplicity made it easy to mix at home, helping it maintain its status as a beloved classic through the decades.
Rum Rickey Flavor Profile
This cocktail hits several key taste notes:
- Tartness: The fresh lime provides a bright, sour kick
- Sweetness: The rum contributes natural sweetness
- Depth: Dark rum adds caramel and vanilla notes, while light rum keeps it cleaner
- Crispness: The carbonation from club soda brings refreshing effervescence
The drink is not overly sweet, making it perfect for those who prefer drinks that aren’t sugary. The lime and soda water create a clean finish that leaves you feeling refreshed rather than weighed down.
Rum Choices and Substitutions
Rum Options:
- Dark rum: Creates a richer drink with more molasses, caramel, and vanilla notes
- Light rum: Gives a cleaner, crisper taste
- Spiced rum: Adds extra complexity with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices
- Aged rum: Brings more oak, vanilla, and depth
Substitutions:
- Spirit swap: Replace rum with gin for the original Gin Rickey, or try bourbon, vodka, or tequila
- Citrus options: If limes aren’t available, lemons work in a pinch (though this changes the character of the drink)
- Carbonated alternative: Seltzer water or mineral water can substitute for club soda
- Non-alcoholic version: Use a rum alternative like Ritual Zero Proof or simply omit the rum and add a splash of molasses for a “Virgin Rickey”
Why the Rum Rickey Stands Out
What makes this cocktail special:
- Versatility: Works with many rum types and can be adjusted to your taste
- Refreshment factor: Few cocktails are as cooling on a hot day
- Low sugar content: Unlike many tropical rum drinks, the classic version has no added sugar
- Speed of preparation: Ready in under two minutes with minimal tools
- Balance: The perfect harmony of spirit, sour, and fizz
The Rum Rickey strikes a rare balance – complex enough to be interesting but simple enough to make at home without special equipment or obscure ingredients.
Serving Your Rum Rickey
For the best experience:
- Glass choice: Highball or Collins glass works best
- Temperature: Serve very cold with plenty of ice
- Garnish options:
- Lime wheel on the rim
- Mint sprig for aromatic dimension
- Thin slice of ginger for extra zing
- Straw or no straw: A straw helps mix the drink as you sip, but it’s not essential
Food Pairings for Rum Rickey
The bright, crisp nature of this cocktail makes it pair well with:
Light Bites:
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Ceviche with fresh lime
- Plantain chips with guacamole
- Cuban-style ham and cheese croquettes
- Jerk chicken wings
Main Courses:
- Fish tacos
- Caribbean-style grilled chicken
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Coconut curry dishes
- Grilled vegetables with citrus
The drink’s acidity helps cut through rich foods, while its clean finish refreshes the palate between bites.
Rum Rickey ABV (Alcohol By Volume)
The alcohol content of a Rum Rickey depends on your pour and the rum you use:
- Standard Rum Rickey (2 oz rum in an 8 oz highball): About 8-10% ABV
- Using overproof rum (like a 151-proof): Can increase to 12-15% ABV
- Adding more club soda: Decreases the ABV
For context, this makes the Rum Rickey similar to a strong beer or weak wine in alcohol content – stronger than a spritzer but weaker than a martini.
Nutritional Information
A standard Rum Rickey contains:
- Calories: Approximately 130-150 calories
- Carbohydrates: 3-5g (mostly from the rum)
- Sugar: 0-1g (unless simple syrup is added)
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
This makes the Rum Rickey one of the lower-calorie cocktail options available, especially compared to drinks made with sugary mixers or liqueurs.
When to Serve a Rum Rickey
This versatile cocktail works for many occasions:
- Casual gatherings: Perfect for backyard barbecues
- Warm weather events: Ideal for beating summer heat
- Pre-dinner drink: The lime and carbonation stimulate appetite
- Afternoon refresher: Not too strong for daytime sipping
- Parties: Easy to batch-prepare for groups
Tips for the Perfect Rum Rickey
- Use fresh limes: The oils from the peel add vital aromatics to the drink
- Chill your glass: A pre-chilled glass keeps the drink colder longer
- Quality rum matters: The simplicity of the drink means the rum’s flavor stands out
- Add the club soda last: This preserves more carbonation
- Adjust to taste: Some prefer more lime, others more rum – find your balance
Final Thoughts
The Rum Rickey proves that cocktails don’t need to be complex to be great. Its clean, refreshing taste has kept it relevant for over a century. Try making one at home – you might find it becomes your new warm-weather go-to drink.
Have you tried a Rum Rickey before? What’s your favorite rum to use in this classic cocktail?
