vodka mint rickey
Are you looking for a refreshing summer drink that isn't going to put you over on calories? You're welcome. I love vodka sodas, but let's be honest...sometimes they're bland and boring, even with a squeeze of lime. Vodka presses (half soda water, half lemon-lime soda) are delicious but add on extra sugar with the soda.
When our buddy Morgan came to visit last week, we stopped off at the Sewickley Hotel for drinks one afternoon (also, because I can't say "NO" to the lobster mac & cheese). They offered a gin rickey on their "speakeasy" menu, so we all opted to try it. I am generally very "meh" on gin, so I swapped mine for vodka. The combination of mint, lime, and crisp soda is incredibly refreshing and so tasty.
vodka mint rickey
prep time: 5 minutes | cook time: n/a
experience level: easy peasy | specialty: libations
- 8-10 mint leaves (preferably spearmint)
- 1/8 tsp granulated sugar (optional)
- 1/2 small lime, sliced into 3 wedges
- 2 ounces good quality vodka (can substitute gin)
- Crushed ice
- Chilled club soda
In a tumbler, muddle (crush) the mint leaves. They have fancy "muddlers" for this job, or you can just smash them using the end of a wooden spoon. If you want to add the sugar, add it now and smoosh up with the mint.
Squeeze two of the lime wedges on top of the mint and discard the rinds. Top the glass with ice, add the liquor, and top with club soda. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.
For maximum enjoyment, drink on an umbrella-shaded patio on a warm summer afternoon.
