Tart and tropical, the Rum Rickey cocktail is a refreshing way to take a break on a hot summer’s day.
Tonight’s drink has me excited for this upcoming weekend. And I must confess, it has to do with James Bond. Once again.
The Vista Theater is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles. Owned by filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, it has truly become one of the coolest spots in my neighborhood. If you ever find yourself at Pam’s Coffy right next door, you might even see me. I’m there all the time, just about. A friend and I treated ourselves to a few Gin Martinis last Saturday and took in a matinee of Beetlejuice in 35mm. A few days before, my girlfriend and I played hooky from work (sorry) and caught Sinners in 70mm, with the Vista being one of only five theaters in the United States playing the movie in that format. And this weekend, one of my favorites: 1965’s Thunderball.
In the movie, James Bond enjoys a tropical riff on the Tom Collins, the Rum Collins. The difference, of course, is that rum and lime juice are used instead of gin and lemon juice. Tonight’s drink is a slight variation on the Rum Collins, the Rum Rickey, and a riff on another classic. The original Rickey was a combo of bourbon, lime juice and club soda. Around since 1883 and created by D.C. lobbyist Colonel Joe Rickey, the concoction proved so popular it begat the Gin Rickey, which is also a slight variation on the Tom Collins. Spirits and citrus and club soda… Oh my.
What Is The Best Rum To Use In A Rum Rickey Cocktail?
While you can play around with making this drink using a few different kinds of rum, like gold or spiced, the Rum Rickey really works best with a silver, or white, variety. The clear color and unaged, tropically tinged notes softly meld with the tangy citrus, all pulled together with a fizzy and effervescent build. My go-to is Bacardi Silver. Inexpensive and plentiful, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle on the shelf, especially during the summer.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces white rum
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 2 ounces club soda
- 1 lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the rum and lime juice into a highball glass.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes and top off with club soda. Stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
The best way to enjoy any Rickey drink is to have it served in a highball glass filled with ice and garnished with a juicy lime wedge on top.
WHAT IS THE BEST CLUB SODA TO USE IN A RUM RICKEY?
Any club soda that you like or find at the store will work great in this drink. Sometimes I’ll make my Rickeys with a mineral water, giving each sip a nice spikiness.
Similar Drinks To The Rum Rickey Cocktail
If you enjoy the tropical pleasures of rum and a good bit of fizz to go along with it, you’ve probably had a tipple or two to satiate those cravings. And here at Twist & Toast, we’ve a nice collection of recipes that you can make for you and your friends on those balmy, summer nights. Whether on the beach or in the backyard, here are some libations that’ll keep you satisfied.
- Cubata – Dark rum features in this cola cocktail.
- Rum and Coke – The classic combo of silver rum and Coca-Cola.
- Cuba Libre – Add the juice of a freshly squeezed lime to a Rum and Coke for something different.
- Dark and Stormy – Spiced, refreshing, and maybe a little romantic.
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