Tom came back, preceding four gin rickeys that clicked full of ice. Gatsby took up his drink.
“They certainly look cool,” he said, with visible tension. We drank in long, greedy swallows.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Entirely out of context, doesn’t that just sound like peer pressure to you? If you changed it up and had Jay say “I don’t wanna, I don’t wanna.” Before Tom forced the Gin Rickey on him you’d think it’d be a video they’d show you in D.A.R.E. class. Also, if your name is Rick, Gin Ricky’s a great nickname. “Gin Ricky knows how to party!”
Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald loved to imbibe, in the 1920s he would introduce himself to party guests as “F. Scott Fitzgerald, the well-known alcoholic.” According to Hemingway he was also a bit of a lightweight. Saying in A Moveable Feast, “… it was hard to accept him as a drunkard, since he was affected by such small quantities of alcohol.”
This is great and refreshing drink to have in the summer. It’s as simple to make as a Gin and Tonic but not as popular. Here’s how to make it:
In a highball glass.
- 2 parts – Gin
- ¾ oz. fresh lime juice
- Top with Club Soda
You can also substitute the gin with bourbon or rye whiskey to make a Whiskey Rickey, substitute with Scotch and that’ll give you a Whisky Rickey (or a Scotch and Soda – I made up Whisky Rickey).
Notes:
I’m still a G&T guy but this isn’t bad. It’s just good to know you’re not SOL if your bar only has soda water. I’ll drink it again.
