Basil Rickey
A modern classic that marries the bracing refreshment of a 19th-century Rickey with fresh basil—herbaceous, effervescent, and perfectly balanced without added sugar.
11%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
highball
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Basil Rickey represents a modern evolution of the classic Gin Rickey, a 19th-century Washington D.C. highball. This contemporary interpretation maintains the Rickey's defining characteristic—no added sugar—while embracing the craft cocktail movement's "garden-to-glass" philosophy. It demonstrates how modern bartenders can adapt historical recipes with fresh ingredients while preserving the original's bracing, refreshing soul.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
2 oz
1 oz
7 leaves
High-quality, highly carbonated, chilled
4.5 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a highball or collins glass in the freezer for 15 minutes
Slap basil leaves gently between palms to release oils
Place basil leaves in cocktail shaker with gin and lime juice
Fill shaker three-quarters full with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds
Fill chilled glass with fresh ice cubes
Double strain cocktail mixture into glass
Gently top with chilled club soda
Stir once gently from bottom to integrate
Glassware
Built in a chilled highball or collins glass over ice
Garnish
Fresh sprig, slapped to release aroma
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Never muddle the basil—just slap gently to avoid bitterness
Keep all ingredients ice-cold for maximum refreshment
Use fresh lime juice only—bottled ruins the drink
Serve immediately while carbonation is at its peak
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Gin Rickey
A no-sugar highball of gin, lime, and sparkling water—crisp, tart, and ultra-refreshing.
Basil Gimlet
A modern classic that elevates the traditional Gimlet with fresh basil—herbaceous, aromatic, and supremely refreshing with botanical complexity.
Gimlet
A crisp blend of gin and lime that began as a naval ration and evolved into a minimalist classic.