With spring almost here, maybe, we hope, let's finish the week with a light, warm weather drink, the Gin Rickey. This classic cocktail was almost certainly created for, and under the aegis of, "Colonel" Joe Rickey.Rickey, a Civil War veteran from Fulton, Missouri.Hhe became one of the most influential Democratic lobbyists in DC, mostly by being a good taking and an expert at playing cards. At a bar called Shoemaker's where the powerful came to imbibe, in a building called the Shoemaker Building owned by Rickey himself, a bartender and a fresh lime made history. To wit: the Gin Rickey.
First, fill a tall, chilled glass with fresh ice. Pour in the juice of one fresh-cut lime. (Or, if you must, use bottled lime juice.) Add two ounces of gin, preferably Plymouth, for the floral aromatics. Top with chilled club soda, a dash of Angostura bitters and a twist.
