Mint Lime Rickey mocktail recipe
A dry lime-and-soda highball scented with mint instead of muddled through it.
Method: Build · Glass: Highball glass · Time: 4 minutes · Difficulty: Beginner
Ingredients
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- 4 oz very cold club soda
- 2 sprigs fresh mint
- to fill cracked ice
How to make it
- Clap one mint sprig once and place it against the inner wall of a chilled highball.
- Pack the glass with cracked ice to hold the sprig in place.
- Add lime juice and syrup, then top with very cold club soda.
- Lift once from the bottom and add a second unbruised mint sprig and lime wheel.
Garnish
A mint sprig and lime wheel
Why this balance works
This drink is intentionally drier than a Mojito. One ounce of lime gives it a clean snap, while a quarter ounce of syrup takes off only the sharpest edge. The soda should do most of the work, so chill it hard and add it last. If the lime is especially sour, add another teaspoon of syrup rather than changing the amount of soda.
Technique to keep
A Rickey uses mint as aroma, not as a muddled ingredient. Clapping a sprig opens its oils without shredding the leaves, and placing it against the glass lets rising bubbles carry that aroma upward. That is why this stays clear and dry while a Mojito is more integrated, muddled and sweet. Do not keep stirring after the soda goes in; one lift is enough to combine the base.
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