Looking for a refreshing cocktail to shake up your spring or summer hangouts? The Revolution Rickey is basically a riff on the old-school Gin Rickey, which has been around since the late 1800s.
This drink blends gin, lime juice, and club soda, but the real kicker is a splash of ginger liqueur—zesty, a little spicy, and really wakes up your palate.
The name? It’s a nod to the bold, almost “revolutionary” flavor that takes the original up a notch. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just kicking back on a warm evening, this cocktail’s bright citrus and fizzy texture are hard to beat for anyone who likes their drinks on the lighter, more refreshing side.
And honestly, you don’t need to be a pro to pull this off at home. Grab a few basic ingredients, follow the recipe, and you’ll get a tasty result every single time—no fancy bartender moves required.
Revolution Rickey Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin preferably American-made
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3-4 oz club soda
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig optional
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Pour in the gin.
- Add the lime juice and simple syrup.
- Give it a gentle stir with your bar spoon—don’t go wild, just enough to mix.
- Top off with club soda. Pour slowly so you don’t lose that fizz.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and, if you’re feeling it, a mint sprig.
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Revolution Rickey hits you with a bright, zesty profile right out of the gate. The mix of gin’s sharpness and the tang from lime juice is super refreshing, with just a touch of sweetness to round it out.
First sip? Crisp and clean, with those citrus notes front and center. The lime really wakes things up.
The gin’s complexity is there, but it doesn’t overpower. You’ll notice a bit of juniper and herbal hints, which play nicely with the citrus.
Flavor Profile:
- Primary: Citrus, juniper
- Secondary: Herbal, slightly sweet
- Finish: Clean, refreshing
The soda water brings a lively fizz that makes the drink feel lighter and somehow more aromatic. It’s almost too easy to drink.
Temperature really changes things. When it’s icy cold, the Revolution Rickey feels extra refreshing and the alcohol doesn’t jump out at you.
The finish is dry, which kind of makes you want another sip. It’s not overly sweet, so it works great for hot days or as a pre-dinner drink if you’re not into sugary cocktails.
The lime garnish isn’t just for looks—it gives you a hit of citrus aroma every time you take a sip. Simple, but it works.
Substitute
Can’t find all the ingredients for a Revolution Rickey? No problem!
This section shows how to make the drink with whatever you’ve got on hand.
Vodka works well instead of gin if you like a milder taste. Not a fan of lime?
Lemon makes a good swap, though the flavor’s a little different. It’s not exactly the same, but it works.
Basic Substitutions:
- Gin → Vodka or white rum
- Lime juice → Lemon juice
- Club soda → Seltzer water or sparkling water
For those avoiding alcohol, here’s a non-alcoholic version you can try:
- Replace gin with cucumber water or a non-alcoholic gin alternative
- Keep the lime juice
- Add a splash of tonic water with club soda for a bit more complexity
If you don’t have fresh fruit, bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Fresh really is better for taste, but sometimes you just have to use what you’ve got.
Sweet tooth? Add a little simple syrup (maybe 1/4 oz) or even a splash of grenadine if you want to balance out the tartness.
Berry lovers might enjoy muddling raspberries or blackberries with the lime. That gives you a pretty tasty fruity twist on the classic.
Each substitution changes the drink a bit. But honestly, experimenting is half the fun of mixing cocktails at home.
