Perhaps in celebration, perhaps in utter sadness—either way, we’re not judging. We’re merely here to give you something to drink. On the occasion of a presidential inauguration, then, it seems fitting that we offer up these four versions of Washington D.C.’s official cocktail, the Rickey.
The Rickey dates back to the 1880s, where George A. Williamson of Shoomaker’s bar was said to have created the highball drink made with bourbon, carbonated water, and lime. After his original creation, some people added sugar. It is alleged that the name comes from Democratic lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey and the drink itself soared in popularity when, a few years later, it was remade with gin.
Now, with the history lesson out of the way, it’s time to get your drink on. All of the cocktails below were created at The Rickey in New York, made by all-star bartender Johnny Swet.
Colonel Joe Rickey
- 2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- .75 oz lime juice
- .75 oz honey
- Grilled Lime
- Splash of Ginger ale
- Honey cracked peppercorns
Method: Mix all ingredients together. Top with a grilled wedge of lime and four mint sprigs. Top with Ginger ale. Serve in a tall glass.
The Pomegranate Rickey
- 1.5 oz Tito’s Vodka
- 1 oz Pama pomegranate liqueur
- .75 oz lime juice
- .5 oz agave
- Pomegranate seed-infused cube
- Lime wedge
Method: Mix all ingredients together. Top with ice cube and lime wedge.
Pomegranate Ice Cube: Take an ice mold and fill with water, sprinkle with pomegranate seeds, and freeze. Use as a substitute for regular ice cubes.
The Cartel Rickey
- 1.5 oz Sailor Jerry rum
- 1.5 oz Fresh pineapple juice
- .25 oz Agave
- .25 oz Lime juice
- 6 Colombian coffee beans
- Coconut water (for ice cubes)
Method: Muddle three of the Colombian coffee beans. Add rum, pineapple juice, agave and lime juice. Shake and fine strain into rocks glass with the coconut water ice cube.
Coconut Water Ice Cube: take an ice mold and fill with coconut water, sprinkle with coffee beans, and freeze. Use as a substitute for regular ice cubes.
Gin Rickey at The Rickey
- 2 ounces Plymouth Gin
- .75 ounce lime juice
- 1 lime wedge
Method: Top with soda. Add Lime wedge.
