Cranberry Lime Rye Rickey
Tart cranberry, fresh lime, and rye whiskey make a bright, bubbly rickey for a relaxed evening pour.
Prep: 5 · Cook: 5 · Total: 10 · Serves: 1 · Difficulty: Easy · Rating: 4.8/5 (214 reviews)
INSPIRED BY
This original rickey borrows the classic highball structure and gives it an autumn-colored cranberry and lime snap. Rye keeps the drink savory enough for a dinner-hour pour.
Story
Theo likes a drink that knows how to pull into the driveway with the radio still on. This one brings tart cranberry, sharp lime, and a rye backbone without turning syrupy. The soda keeps every sip moving, like a neon sign buzzing outside a roadside bar. Pour it tall and let the evening take its time.
By Theo
Ingredients
- 2 ounces rye whiskey
- 1 1/2 ounces unsweetened cranberry juice
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- 2 ounces chilled club soda
- Lime wheel and fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a tall glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside while you mix the drink.
- Add the rye whiskey, cranberry juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake firmly for 10 seconds, until the outside feels frosty.
- Discard the ice from the glass and refill it with fresh ice. Strain the cranberry mixture over the ice.
- Top with the club soda and stir once from the bottom up so the drink stays lively.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and rosemary sprig, then serve right away while the bubbles are bright.
Chef Tips
- Use unsweetened cranberry juice so the simple syrup stays adjustable.
- A bold rye with peppery spice stands up best to the tart cranberry and lime.
- For a less sweet drink, cut the syrup to 1/4 ounce and add more soda.
- Batch the whiskey, cranberry, lime, syrup, and bitters for four, then shake each serving with ice and top individually.
Cook's Notes
- **Cranberry choice:** Unsweetened juice gives you control over the final sweetness, while cranberry cocktail makes the drink softer and sweeter.
- **Rye swap:** Bourbon works if you want a rounder, vanilla-forward drink.
- **Bubbles:** Add the club soda after shaking so it stays fizzy.
- **Batching:** Mix the noncarbonated ingredients up to 4 hours ahead and keep chilled, then shake portions with ice.