Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic20.2% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Summer
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusMixer
- 2.0 ozLight RumBase
- 2.0 ozFresh Lime JuiceCitrus
- Lime wedgeSoda WaterMixer
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
- Pour rum and lime juice into ice-filled highball glass.
- Fill with soda water and stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add lime.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.Match it with foodFind food pairings that complement the flavors in this drink.
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness — reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral — the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Rum Rickey?
- The Rum Rickey is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 20.2%. A standard serving contains approximately 151 calories.
- What does a Rum Rickey taste like?
- Rum Rickey has a flavour profile featuring Lime, Sparkling, Citrus, Vanilla. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Rum Rickey?
- Rum Rickey pairs well with Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Rum Rickey?
- The Rum Rickey has an ABV of approximately 20.2%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 151 calories, 1.0g sugar, 5.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Rum Rickey typically served?
- Rum Rickey is a popular choice for Summer, Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Rum Rickey?
- If you enjoy Rum Rickey, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Rum Rickey at home?
- Yes. The Rum Rickey uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Highball Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Rum Rickey with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.