A Raspberry Lime Rickey brings together sweet raspberry syrup, tangy lime juice, and crisp soda water to create a refreshing drink. This classic mocktail can be turned into a cocktail by adding 2 ounces of gin or vodka.
The drink became popular in the late 1800s at soda fountains across New England. Its name comes from “Rickey,” a Washington D.C. lobbyist who liked his drinks with lime and carbonated water.
This cool and fizzy drink takes just 5 minutes to make and needs only 4 ingredients. The bright red color and bubbly texture make it perfect for summer parties, backyard BBQs, or any time you want something special without much fuss.
Raspberry Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Collins glass
- Ice cube tray
- Measuring jigger
- Bar spoon
Ingredients
- 6-8 fresh raspberries
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz gin
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh lime wedge and raspberry for garnish
For simple syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Place raspberries in a cocktail shaker and muddle until crushed.
- Add lime juice, simple syrup, and gin (if using) to the shaker.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds.
- Strain mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice using a fine-mesh strainer.
- Top with club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh raspberry.
For simple syrup:
- Mix water and sugar in a small pot
- Heat until sugar dissolves
- Let cool before using
- Store extras in fridge for up to 2 weeks
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
The Raspberry Lime Rickey has a bright, zesty flavor that combines sweet and tart notes. Fresh raspberries add a natural sweetness, while lime juice brings a crisp, citrus punch.
The drink starts with a sweet berry aroma from the muddled raspberries. Each sip reveals layers of fresh fruit flavors balanced by the sharp bite of club soda.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet raspberry
- Tart lime
- Light fizz
- Clean finish
The texture is refreshing and bubbly. Ice keeps the drink extra cold and adds to its thirst-quenching quality. The carbonation creates tiny bubbles that make the drink light and energizing.
Fresh garnishes of lime wedges and whole raspberries enhance both the look and taste. These add bursts of extra flavor when squeezed or eaten after finishing the drink.
This cocktail tastes best when served very cold in a tall glass. The flavors stay balanced and bright, making it perfect for warm weather sipping.
Substitute
The Raspberry Lime Rickey can be changed when ingredients aren’t available. Here are common swaps that keep the drink tasty.
Replace fresh raspberries with frozen ones during off-season times. Raspberry syrup works too, but use only half the amount listed in the recipe.
For lime juice substitutes, try lemon juice or a mix of orange and lemon juice. Each option gives a different but nice citrus taste.
Club soda alternatives:
- Sparkling mineral water
- Tonic water (adds sweetness)
- Ginger ale (makes it sweeter)
Don’t have simple syrup? Mix equal parts sugar and hot water until the sugar dissolves. Then, let it cool before using.
Non-alcoholic versions taste great with these swaps:
- Sprite or 7-Up instead of club soda
- Berry-flavored seltzer water
- Cranberry juice mixed with lime soda
Want a different berry flavor? Try these options:
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
- Mixed berries
These changes still make a refreshing drink that keeps the spirit of the classic recipe.
