Grapefruit Gin Rickey
Gin and tonic have always been my cocktail of choice. [Okay, maybe not always. There was a time that I thought cosmos were the bomb diggity. Thanks, Carrie Bradshaw.] G&T’s are light, fizzy, slightly sweet, refreshing, and fragrant. A gin rickey is very similar to a gin and tonic, with only replacing the tonic with seltzer.
But who is Rickey?
The gin rickey was named after Colonel Joe Rickey, a Democratic lobbyist who lived in The Nation’s Capital in the late 19th century. Apparently, he preferred cocktails without sugar, and would usually sip bourbon and carbonated water. By the early 20th century gin had replaced bourbon and lime had been added. The drink became a staple and is even given literary fame in F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic, The Great Gatsby. And I basically feel like a fringed flapper anytime I drink one.
Grapefruit and gin
Earlier this spring, I had grapefruit juice that needed to be used up plus a gorgeous local gin, so I mixed up a grapefruit gin rickey cocktail. I’m no mixologist (although I would love to learn more about that art!), but this cocktail is now on my list of favorites.
The sweet/tart flavor of the grapefruit, with the grapefruit seltzer, and the floral gin all mesh together beautifully. It’s bright, light, and perfect for those warm evenings on the back patio. Plus, it’s pink.
What to use
Gin is a clear alcohol that is flavored with juniper berries and sometimes other botanicals as well. Gin, like other spirits, can run the gamete of rubbing alcohol, to smooth and lovely. Tanqueray was my middle-of-the-line gin of choice, and that’s still what I order if we are out of town. However, if you are in the Maryland, DC Metro area, please try Frederick distilled McClintock Distilling. Their Forager Gin is the most wonderful gin I have tasted. It’s more than just juniper berries, they use locally native botanicals to produce a complex flavor that you just have to try.
Seltzer is just mineral water that has been carbonated. You can use any seltzer, but a grapefruit-flavored seltzer is really good. I like the Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit.
Grapefruit juice can be made with or without added sugars. I like to get unsweetened juice, I really don’t think this drink needs any more sweetness.
Grapefruit Gin Rickey
Ingredients
- 1 oz gin
- 1/2 cup grapefruit juice
- 1/2 cup grapefruit seltzer
- Ice
- Sugar, fresh mint, and fresh grapefruit to garnish
Instructions
- Rim the glass by rubbing a grapefruit wedge around the edge and then dipping it into sugar. Add ice to the glass. Then add the grapefruit juice and gin. Stir. top off with seltzer. Garnish with fresh grapefruit and mint.
