Those seeking the perfect cocktails that feature lemonade and limeade to quench their thirst and offer refreshment should look no further than the Gin Rickey and the Tom Collins, respectively. Both of these drinks rely on the power of citrus and club soda to instill invigoration and freshness. But similarities aside, what sets them apart? Both cocktails feature gin and citrus, but the resemblance ends there.
While the Tom Collins leans on the sweeter side of things due to its inclusion of simple syrup and lemon, tartness from the combination of gin and lime is what defines the Gin Rickey. While both reliably refresh on a warm day, a sip of each effortlessly reveals just how different these beverages are. A Gin Rickey isn't tricky The Gin Rickey is a simple combination of gin and fresh lime juice topped with club soda or sparkling water and garnished with lime wheels or a lime peel.
In the absence of simple syrup, the drink is primarily flavored by the zesty nature of the lime juice and the botanicals of the gin. The bright, tart lime juice perfectly contrasts earthy gins, but also works well with more floral varieties. The role of club soda or sparkling water in the Gin Rickey is simple: balance.
The carbonated topper dilutes the gin and lime intensities so that they do not overwhelm the drinker. The fizziness of the club soda or sparkling water perfectly enhances the lime's sharp and tangy — yet refreshing — characteristics. Before the Gin Rickey came the Bourbon Rickey,.
