The Ultimate Refreshing Lime Rickey

Cool down with a classic Lime Rickey! My recipe is the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and bubbly. Plus, fun variations like Raspberry Lime Rickey! Get the recipe!

June 1, 2025
By Kendra Thompson .

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Alright, let's dive into this deliciousness!

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Refreshing Lime Rickey

Ever find yourself craving something seriously refreshing? Something that screams summer? Honestly, nothing beats a good lime rickey . It's tart, bubbly, and just the right amount of sweet. Let's make one.

Quick Hook: The Lime Rickey is your new best friend.

This lime rickey recipe is the perfect drink for a hot day. it balances that puckering lime with just a hint of sweetness.

It's fizzy, fun, and totally customisable. are you ready to elevate your lime beverages game?

Brief Overview: A Classic with a Twist.

The lime rickey is an American classic, thought to have originated in Washington, D.C. It's super easy to make and only takes about 5 minutes. This recipe makes one serving.

Main Benefits: Healthy Refreshment.

It's a great way to stay hydrated and get a little vitamin C. This lime rickey is perfect for barbecues. What makes it special is the pure, clean flavor.

Ready to get started?

The Ultimate Refreshing Lime Rickey Recipe Card

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Preparation time:5 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:1 serving

Ingredients:

• 1 large lime, freshly squeezed: 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml)
• Simple syrup: 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml)
• Club soda, chilled: 8-10 ounces (240-300 ml)
• Lime wedge, for garnish
• Ice cubes
• Water: ½ cup (120 ml)
• Granulated sugar: ½ cup (100 g)

Instructions:

• Make the Simple Syrup (if you don't have pre-made): Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Juice the Lime: Squeeze the lime, making sure to remove any seeds.
• Assemble the Rickey: In a highball glass filled with ice, add lime juice and simple syrup.
• Mix (Optional): If using a cocktail shaker, combine lime juice and simple syrup with ice, shake vigorously, and strain into the highball glass filled with ice.
• Top with Club Soda: Fill the glass with chilled club soda, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
• Stir Gently: Stir gently to combine.
• Garnish & Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

The Goodness Inside (Ingredients)

Okay, so you're thinking, "This sounds amazing, what do I need?" Here's the skinny on what you'll need.

• Fresh Lime, for its zesty kick
• Simple Syrup for the sweetness
• Chilled Club Soda for the fizz

And don't forget ice! Also, you're going to need:

• A Citrus juicer (Makes juicing so much easier!)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Highball glass

If you are thinking to make a lot of lime green cocktails , you need to get a lime slurry machine, those are great to make lime green alcohol drinks

Making Your Lime Rickey: Step-by-Step

Making this lime rickey recipe is easier than finding a decent parking spot on a saturday! so, let's start juicing those limes.

You want about 2-3 tablespoons of fresh juice. honestly, fresh juice is key here. bottled stuff just doesn't cut it, you know?

If you don't have simple syrup already made, quickly combine ½ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar in a saucepan.

Heat on medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. let it cool. boom. simple syrup.

Now, in your highball glass, add your fresh lime juice and about 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup, depending on how sweet you like it.

Add ice, then top with 8-10 ounces of chilled club soda. give it a gentle stir.

Garnish with a lime wedge, and voila! You've got yourself a perfect lime rickey . This is so much better than store-bought kool aid flavors or even adding grape kool aid to water! And unlike that carton of leftover milk lurking in your fridge, this is guaranteed to be refreshing!

Lime Rickey: Swapping Things Out

Want to mix things up a bit? Add some raspberries to make a raspberry lime rickey !

Lime Rickey: To Sum It Up.

Honestly, this lime rickey recipe is a winner. It's simple, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Go on, give it a go and let me know what you think!

Ingredients & Equipment: Get Ready to Rickey!

So, you fancy making a lime rickey ? ace choice, mate! it's simpler than making a cuppa. let's dive into what you'll need.

No need to panic, most of this stuff you probably already have kicking about.

Main Ingredients: The Lime Slurry Secret

Right, for one perfect Lime Rickey Recipe , here’s the lowdown. You'll need:

• 1 large lime (that's about 2-3 inches across, yeah?) - for about 2-3 tablespoons ( 30-45 ml ) of juice.
• Simple syrup: 1-2 tablespoons ( 15-30 ml ). Buy it or make your own. Recipe later.
• Chilled club soda: 8-10 ounces ( 240-300 ml ).
• Ice, obviously.

Honestly, finding a good juicy lime is key. give it a squeeze before you buy it. it should give a little.

If it feels rock hard, leave it. you're after that lime green goodness! and always go fresh. bottled juice just tastes… sad.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs

Okay, so a lime rickey is pretty simple. but let's talk flavour. you can easily add some jazz. raspberry lime rickey ? oh my gosh, yes! muddle some raspberries with the lime juice.

Boom!

For some of us, the thought of using kool aid flavors can add a touch of nostalgia, a little grape kool aid perhaps? if you fancy something a bit fancy, try adding a dash of elderflower cordial.

So good!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy cocktail kit for this, alright?

• Juicer. Optional, but less elbow grease.
• Measuring spoons and cups.
• A tall glass. A highball is perfect.
• And, you know, something to stir with.

No juicer? No worries! Just use your hands and a fork. Honestly, I've even used the back of a spoon in dire situations. If you're really keen, grab a cocktail shaker!

Now, let's talk about a lime slurry . some folks swear by it for a more intense lime flavour. basically, you blend the whole lime (peel and all!) with a bit of water, then strain it.

I find it can be a bit bitter, but each to their own.

Enjoy your Lime Beverages !

Right then, let's talk lime rickeys! honestly, is there anything more refreshing on a boiling hot day? reminds me of those old soda fountain vibes, you know? this lime rickey recipe is dead easy, and you can totally customize it.

I'm not even kidding when i say this is easy. if you can open a bottle of fizzy water, you're golden.

Let's Get Ready: Prep Like a Pro

First, mise en place , darlings! That's just a fancy way of saying get everything ready. Squeeze your lime juice. Measure out your stuff. It saves a ton of time.

• Essential mise en place : Juice that lime, measure that simple syrup.
• Time-saving tip: Make your lime slurry ahead of time. Store it in the fridge.
• Safety first: No knives here but don't slip on any spilled juice. That's happened to me.

Rickey Time: Step-by-Step Goodness

This takes, like, five minutes, tops!

1. Make Simple Syrup: Combine ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Cool.
2. Juice: Squeeze 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
3. Ice it up: Fill a glass with ice.
4. Mix: Add lime juice and 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup.
5. Top: Fill with 8-10 ounces chilled club soda.
6. Stir: Give it a gentle stir.
7. Garnish: Lime wedge. Ta-da!

Visual cues for doneness? It's a drink , love. If it looks good, it is good. No need to worry about critical temperature points for this lime beverages .

Pro Tips: Secret Agent Rickey

Here are a couple of tricks i've picked up. don't over-stir after adding the club soda. you'll lose the fizz.

And, honestly, fresh lime juice is non-negotiable. that bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same kick.

• Expert tip: Try muddling a few raspberries for a raspberry lime rickey twist!
• Common mistake: Too much simple syrup. Start small, taste, then add more.
• Make-ahead: The simple syrup will last for ages in the fridge!

Sometimes, i experiment with different flavors. i even tried adding some of my son's grape kool aid once – don't judge me! okay, maybe do judge me a little bit.

If you are craving something a bit more adult, this mixes really well with gin.

Honestly, the best thing about a lime green cocktail like this is how versatile it is. you can even make lime green alcohol drinks out of it if you are feeling fancy.

So go on, give it a go and enjoy! just don't be using any leftover milk to make your simple syrup now!

Okay, let's dive into some extra tidbits about making the perfect lime ricky . Honestly, it’s easier than making toast, but a few pointers can elevate it from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!"

Recipe Notes

Right, so you've got the basic Lime Rickey recipe down, fantastic! Now let's talk about making it your own . Trust me, these little tweaks will make you a Rickey master.

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

First impressions matter, even with drinks! how you present your lime beverages can make all the difference. forget plain old glasses, raid your grandma's cupboard! or try a mason jar for that rustic chic vibe.

A simple lime wedge is classic, but why not go wild? think cucumber ribbons, or a sprig of mint. honestly, a fancy straw just makes it feel extra special!

As for food pairings, think summery. this lime ricky recipe goes great with grilled burgers, fish tacos, or even just a big bowl of salad.

For parties, set up a lime slurry station with different garnishes – berries, herbs, you name it.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

If you happen to have leftover simple syrup (which, let's be real, rarely happens!), keep it in the fridge. It'll last for a week or two in an airtight container.

As for the actual lime green cocktails itself, well, it's best enjoyed fresh . making it ahead of time will cause it to lose its fizz, and nobody wants a flat ricky.

I've tried freezing it, don't recommend! just make it fresh, it only takes 5 minutes. you can, however, freeze lime juice in ice cube trays for later use.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Oh my gosh, the possibilities are endless! want a raspberry lime rickey ? muddle some fresh raspberries before adding the club soda.

Lime green alcohol drinks more your thing? a shot of gin or vodka works wonders.

For a diet-friendly version, use a sugar-free simple syrup substitute. I've even experimented with different Kool Aid Flavors ! A dash of Grape Kool Aid adds a fun twist.

Nutrition Basics: It's All Relative

Okay, let's be real, a lime ricky isn't exactly a health food. but! it's way better than a sugary soda.

Fresh limes are packed with vitamin c, which is awesome for your immune system. and hey, hydration is always a win.

Just go easy on the simple syrup.

Look, whether you're sticking to the classic lime ricky or getting adventurous, have fun with it! don't be afraid to experiment and find what you love.

Now go forth and make some amazing lime ricky !