Cocktails

Rum Rickey

Rum Rickey is an alcoholic cocktail built on Light Rum. It leans sparkling and citrus. Built and served in a Highball Glass. Expect about 20.2% ABV and roughly 151 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic20.2% ABV3 ingredients

At a Glance

151 kcalCalories

20.2%ABV

1gSugar

5gCarbs

1.46Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.

These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderatestirred drink

Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires bar spoon

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

2.0 ozLight RumBase Spirit
2.0 ozFresh Lime JuiceJuice
Soda waterMixer

How to Make It

Pour rum and lime juice into ice-filled Highball glass.Pour
Fill with soda water and stir.Stirred
Add lime.Add

How to Serve

Glass: Highball Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Ice
Method: Stirred

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Sparkling Citrus

Supporting notes

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

Dry finish
Bright and citrusy

What do these dimensions mean?

When to serve

SummerSuggested from its citrus and sparkling notes.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-Free Vegan Vegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Light Rum2.0 oz

Aged RumKnown variation

How much to use: Use the same amount; reduce rich sweeteners only if the drink becomes too heavy.
What changes: Aged rum can replace light rum when a fuller, oakier variation is acceptable.

Dark RumWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount; reduce rich sweeteners if the result becomes too heavy.
What changes: Dark rum can replace light rum when a deeper, heavier rum profile is welcome.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Fresh Lime Juice2.0 oz

Lemon JuiceWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Start with the same amount, then adjust sweetness if needed.
What changes: Lemon juice can usually replace lime juice, but the drink becomes less tropical and more lemon-forward.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Soda Water

Carbonated WaterGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Carbonated water is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Club SodaGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Club soda is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sparkling WaterGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount.
What changes: Sparkling water is usually a close substitute for soda water.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Tonic WaterNot a neutral swap

How much to use: Use only if you want a tonic-style drink.
What changes: Tonic water is not a neutral replacement for soda water; it adds bitterness and sweetness.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

Rate this recipe

Last updated June 18, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

Explore by goal

Related searches

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.

Explore next

Cocktail recipes Mocktail alternatives Food pairings Flavors

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 Sparkling, Citrus, Vanilla, Tart. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
How strong is a Rum Rickey?: The Rum Rickey has an ABV of approximately 20.2%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 151 kcal, 1.0g sugar, 5.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
When is a Rum Rickey typically served?: Rum Rickey is often suggested for Summer, based on its flavour profile and typical serve.
What drinks are similar to a Rum Rickey?: If you enjoy Rum Rickey, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
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.