Cherry Vanilla Rye Rickey
Rye, tart cherry, vanilla, and lemon make a fizzy cooler with a crisp finish and a little diner-counter charm.
Prep: 8 · Cook: · Total: 8 · Serves: 1 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.9/5 (74 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This original cocktail borrows the long, fizzy shape of a classic rickey and gives it a dark cherry soda-shop accent.
Story
Theo calls this one a neon sign in a glass. Rye brings the edge, cherry brings the color, and vanilla smooths the ride without turning the drink syrupy. The lemon keeps the finish clean while the soda stretches it into a proper cooler. Put a cherry on top and let the afternoon take its time.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1/2 ounce tart cherry juice
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce vanilla syrup
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- 3 ounces chilled club soda
- 1 cup large ice cubes
- 1 lemon peel and 2 brandied cherries
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass with the ice cubes and chill it while you measure the drink.
- Add the rye, tart cherry juice, lemon juice, vanilla syrup, and orange bitters to a shaker.
- Shake with a small handful of ice for 8 seconds until cold and lightly aerated.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over the fresh ice.
- Top slowly with the club soda and stir once from the bottom upward.
- Express the lemon peel over the drink, drop it in, and garnish with the cherries.
Chef Tips
- Use a rye with peppery spice so it stands up to the cherry and vanilla.
- Chill the soda before building the drink for a sharper fizz.
- Shake only briefly because too much dilution will flatten the highball.
- For a less sweet rickey, reduce the vanilla syrup to one-quarter ounce.
Cook's Notes
- **Rye:** A 90 to 100 proof rye gives the drink enough backbone for the soda.
- **Cherry:** Use unsweetened tart cherry juice if possible and adjust syrup to taste.
- **Soda:** Add it last and stir gently to preserve the bubbles.
- **Garnish:** Express the lemon peel over the surface for the best aroma.