Strawberry Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe

A Strawberry Lime Rickey is one of those cocktails that just nails the balance between sweet fruit and crisp citrus. You can mix it up at home with a handful of fresh ingredients and some basic tools—nothing fancy required.

I love how light it feels—not cloying or heavy at all. It’s really the kind of drink I crave on warm days or when friends drop by.

When I make this cocktail, I always try to keep the flavors bright and straightforward. Strawberries bring a natural sweetness, and the lime cuts through with that sharp edge.

A splash of soda water at the end? That fizz just makes everything pop.

You don’t need any cocktail wizardry here, which is honestly half the fun. With a couple of quick steps, you get a drink that looks gorgeous, tastes super fresh, and works for sharing or just treating yourself.

Strawberry Lime Rickey Cocktail Recipe

I keep coming back to this drink because the sweet strawberries, tart lime, and a clean hit of gin or vodka just work together. The process is straightforward, but using good tools and fresh stuff really does pay off.

Equipment

I don’t bother with anything too specialized, but a few basics make things easier. A sturdy cocktail shaker helps me mix the flavors, and a muddler is key for getting those strawberries to give up their juice.

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger or measuring tool
• Bar spoon
• Fine mesh strainer
• Highball glass
• Ice cubes

I always have a small knife and cutting board on hand for slicing up limes and strawberries. If I want my drink smooth, I grab a strainer to catch any pulp.

Ingredients

Fresh fruit and simple syrup are what make this cocktail taste so bright. I look for ripe, sweet strawberries and juicy limes.

Gin adds a herbal note, but vodka gives you a cleaner base if that’s more your thing.

• 4–5 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 oz gin or vodka
• 0.75 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for aroma)
• Club soda, to top
• Ice cubes
• Lime wedge and strawberry slice, for garnish

If I want it sweeter, I’ll pour in a bit more simple syrup. Extra lime juice sharpens things up if I’m in the mood.

Instructions

I start by muddling the strawberries in the shaker until they’re nice and juicy. If I’m adding basil, I press it in gently with the berries—no need to go overboard and risk bitterness.

• Toss strawberries (and basil, if you’re using it) into the shaker and muddle well
• Pour in lime juice, gin or vodka, and simple syrup
• Add ice and shake until everything’s chilled
• Strain into a highball glass filled with ice
• Top with club soda and give it a gentle stir
• Garnish with a lime wedge and strawberry slice

I try not to over-shake because too much water can dull the flavors. After topping with soda, a light stir keeps the bubbles lively.

Notes

I’ve noticed this drink really shines when I use fresh strawberries—they just release more juice and flavor. If I only have frozen, I let them thaw first.

Gin adds some herbal depth, especially if you toss in basil, but vodka keeps it super clean and lets the fruit do the talking. I always tweak the sugar depending on how sweet my strawberries are.

For parties, I sometimes muddle up the strawberries, lime juice, and syrup ahead of time. Then I just add the booze and soda to each glass right before serving.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip of the strawberry-lime rickey, the bright citrus from the lime jumps out at me. It’s crisp and refreshing—almost like a clean splash of flavor right on my tongue.

The strawberries add a gentle sweetness that really balances out the tartness of the lime. I love how the fruit gives a soft, juicy layer, but it doesn’t make the drink heavy or overly sugary. That’s always a plus in my book.

I can feel the bubbles from the soda water, too. The fizz keeps things light, and honestly, it just makes every sip a bit more lively.

Here’s how I’d sum up the big flavors:

• Citrus: tangy, sharp, and refreshing
• Strawberry: sweet, fruity, and mellow
• Soda water: crisp, fizzy, and clean

The way the sweet, tart, and sparkling notes play together makes this drink super easy to enjoy. It’s smooth, not bitter, and I notice the flavors stay balanced the whole way through.

If I let the ice melt a bit, the drink softens up and the lime isn’t quite as bold. I actually like that—each sip feels a little different, and I never get bored.