The Rickey is a category of mixed drinks closely resembling a highball made from a base spirit, half of a lime squeezed and dropped in the glass, and carbonated water. Little or no sugar is added to the Rickey. Originally created with bourbon whiskey in Washington, D.C. at Shoomaker’s bar by bartender George A. Williamson in the 1880’s, purportedly in collaboration with Democratic lobbyist, Colonel Joe Rickey, it became a worldwide sensation when mixed with gin a decade later .

Since 2008 the Rickey has enjoyed a resurgence with the rise revival of classic cocktails and a group of Washington D.C.-based bartenders, known as the DC Craft Bartenders Guild establishing July as Rickey month .

Ingredients:

• 2oz (56.7 grams) bourbon, rye whiskey, or gin
• Half of a lime squeezed and dropped in the glass
• Sparkling Mineral Water

Preparation:

• Combine spirit, lime and shell in a highball or wine glass. Add ice, stir and then add sparkling mineral water.