Washington DC Rickey

Name: Washington DC Rickey
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 oz fresh lime juice (about 2 limes); 0.5 oz elderflower syrup (or St-Germain style NA elderflower cordial); 6 oz sparkling water; Ice cubes; Lime wheel and fresh mint, for garnish

The classic DC Rickey reimagined — fresh lime, sparkling water, and a touch of elderflower for a drink as crisp as the Capitol.

Recipe guidanceClear ingredients, preparation steps, serving yield, and optional swaps for home mixing.

Prep time

5 min

Total time

5 min

Serves

Difficulty

Easy

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washington-dc lime elderflower city-signature classic simple

Bright & refreshing

A balanced alcohol-free drink built around real citrus and fruit flavor.

Simple ingredients

Easy-to-find ingredients and an approachable home-bar method.

Perfect for occasions

Made for an everyday treat, dinner party, or celebratory pour.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving. Ingredient quantities update with the selected batch size.

1.5 oz fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
0.5 oz elderflower syrup (or St-Germain style NA elderflower cordial)
6 oz sparkling water
Ice cubes
Lime wheel and fresh mint, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Prepare the glass
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
2
Build the drink
Pour the fresh lime juice directly over the ice.
3
Add the finishing touch
Add the elderflower syrup.
4
Garnish & serve
Top with sparkling water, pouring slowly down the side of the glass.
5
Garnish & serve
Stir gently once — just enough to combine without losing the carbonation.
6
Garnish & serve
Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh mint sprig.
7
Garnish & serve
Serve immediately — this drink is best when the bubbles are at their peak.

Recipe Tips

Use freshly squeezed lime juice only. Bottled lime juice will make this taste flat and artificial.
For the traditional DC Rickey experience, skip the elderflower and just use lime and sparkling water.
This is an excellent batch cocktail for parties — mix the lime juice and elderflower in a pitcher, then top each glass with sparkling water when serving.

Make It Your Own

For a crowd: Set out a garnish station inspired by the city and batch the main drink base in advance. Finish every glass over fresh ice.

Easy swaps: Use a regional fruit or spice substitute that keeps the recipe's overall color and flavor direction. Use a familiar local soda or sparkling water in place of a specialty mixer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need specialty ingredients?

No. The recipe is designed to keep its city-inspired character even with accessible grocery-store substitutions.

Can I turn this into a party theme?

Yes. Match the glassware, garnish, and snacks to the city inspiration.

Recipe by

Larry Leo

Recipe guidance

Clear ingredients, preparation steps, serving yield, and optional swaps for home mixing. Check the ingredient list, substitution guidance, and dietary labels before serving.

Recipe record updated: August 26, 2026

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