Cherry Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe

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ByJohn

A Cherry Lime Rickey brings the perfect mix of sweet and tart flavors to any summer gathering. This fizzy drink combines fresh cherry juice, zesty lime, and sparkling water for a refreshing twist on the classic Lime Rickey.

This easy-to-make cocktail needs just 5 minutes of prep time and 4 simple ingredients.

The Cherry Lime Rickey traces back to the late 1800s in Washington D.C., where the original Lime Rickey gained fame at Shoomaker’s bar. The addition of cherry adds a sweet touch that makes this version extra special.

This drink works great as both a cocktail with gin or vodka, or as a non-alcoholic mocktail that everyone can enjoy. The bright red color and bubbling carbonation make it an eye-catching addition to any party table.

Cherry Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe

Cherry Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe

Cherry Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe
The Cherry Lime Rickey is a refreshing drink that mixes tart lime juice, sweet cherry syrup, and bubbly club soda. This classic cocktail takes about 5 minutes to prepare.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

Ingredients

Optional:

Instructions

  • Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • Add lime juice and cherry syrup to the shaker.
  • If making the alcoholic version, also add gin or vodka.
  • Shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
  • Fill a tall glass with fresh ice.
  • Strain the mixture into the glass.
  • Top with club soda.
  • Stir gently with a bar spoon to combine.
  • Garnish with fresh cherries and a lime wheel.

Notes

The drink can be made stronger or weaker by adjusting the amount of club soda.
Fresh lime juice works best – avoid bottled versions.
You can use store-bought or homemade cherry syrup in this recipe.
For extra flavor, muddle 2-3 fresh cherries in the shaker before adding other ingredients.
The drink should be served right away while the soda is still fizzy.

Tasting Notes

The Cherry Lime Rickey delivers a bright, fizzy mix of sweet and tart flavors. The cherry syrup adds a deep red color and brings natural sweetness to the drink.

Fresh lime juice creates a zesty punch that balances the sweet cherry notes. The carbonation from club soda gives this cocktail its signature effervescence and light, refreshing quality.

Primary Flavors:

  • Cherry: Sweet and fruity
  • Lime: Sharp and citrusy
  • Club Soda: Clean and bubbly

The drink starts sweet on the tongue before the lime’s tartness emerges. A gentle fizz carries these flavors across the palate. The finish is clean and crisp.

This cocktail tastes best when served very cold. Ice helps maintain the carbonation and keeps the drink refreshing. The ideal serving temperature is 35-40°F (2-4°C).

Garnish Recommendations:

  • Fresh lime wheel
  • Maraschino cherry
  • Fresh mint sprig

Must Have Ingredients

Substitutes

The classic Cherry Lime Rickey uses fresh lime juice and cherry syrup. When those ingredients aren’t available, there are several options to replace them.

For the cherry syrup, grenadine makes a good substitute. Cherry juice or black cherry soda can work too. Mix either one with simple syrup to get the right sweetness level.

Bottled lime juice can replace fresh limes in a pinch. Rose’s lime juice or any sweetened lime cordial will also work. Just reduce the amount of simple syrup since these are already sweet.

Club soda is the standard mixer, but plain seltzer water or sparkling mineral water can step in. Avoid tonic water as it adds unwanted sweetness and bitterness.

Non-Alcoholic Options:

For a different twist, try using:

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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