A Classic Gin Rickey Cocktail (Low-Carb, No Sugar)
I’d been about to finally post this recipe when I stumbled across this recent article from New York Magazine declaring the gin rickey this summer’s official drink. And they’re not wrong…
And while it’s true that the gin and tonic is my one true love any time of year, there is something so simple and refreshing about the way that sparkling water lets the flavor of the gin and lime shine.
This classic cocktail is one of those drinks that you can sip all afternoon by the pool, and still feel good in the evening…very light and clean-feeling.
It’s naturally sugar-free and about as much of a low-carb as is humanly possible (about 1-2 total carbs, from the lime juice).
It’s also seriously the easiest thing ever.
Fill a tall glass with ice. Seriously, fill it all the way…it’s counterintuitive but the more ice in the glass, the quicker it chills down and so less dilution overall. These pictures don’t show that, but trust me it’s the way to go.
Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice, and add a few drops of monkfruit syrup if you want.
Even though a gin rickey isn’t typically sweetened, personally I like to add just a TINY amount of sweetener because I don’t love things that are super tart. Don’t go overboard, you can always add more later if needed.
Top with your soda water of choice (I like Q brand) and stir gently. You can garnish your gin rickey with something fun, but it’s not necessary…a lime wheel, mint, or some kind of herb or citrus that complement your gin’s botanicals works perfectly. Enjoy!
I love that this is a low-carb cocktail that doesn’t feel like you’re giving something up…it was always meant to be this way. This could be interesting to try with just the TIIIINIEST bit of my cardamom simple syrup as well. A little goes a long way, but would be a lovely twist.
Other refreshing (mostly gin) cocktails you’ll love:
- Basil Gin Gimlet Cocktail
- Refreshing, Easy Grapefruit Basil Gin & Tonic
- Porto Tonico: Why You’ll Love the White Port & Tonic
- “River Boyne Fizz” Irish Whiskey Cocktail
- Basil Gin Smash
- Fizzy Rosemary Gin Gimlet
- A Classic “Army and Navy” Gin Cocktail
Adapted from Moody Mixologist
Classic Gin Rickey Cocktail (Low-Carb, No Sugar)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of the gin of your choice go high-quality here
- Juice of half a lime
- 4-6 ounces of soda water go with a mineral water for more flavor than a seltzer
- Optional: a few drops of monkfruit syrup
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Seriously, fill it all the way...it's counterintuitive but the more ice in the glass, the quicker it chills down and so less dilution overall.
- Pour the gin and lime juice over the ice, and add a few drops of monkfruit if you want.
- Top with your soda water of choice and stir gently. If desired, garnish with a lime wheel and mint or other herbs that complement your gin's botanicals. Enjoy!
Notes
- Since there are only a few ingredients, the flavor of the gin really shines through and it's best to use a higher-quality one as a result. Same goes for good club soda (I use Q).
- A traditional gin rickey has no sweetener but I don't love things that are super tart and so I like to add just a tiny bit of monkfruit syrup...it's natural (like Stevia), has no calories or actual sugar content so is fine for keto.
