Iconic Raspberry Lime Rickey
What is Brigham's Raspberry Lime Rickey?
Brigham's Raspberry Lime Rickey is a beloved, nostalgic beverage that originated from the iconic Brigham's Ice Cream shops in the Boston area. It's a sweet and tangy concoction made with raspberry and lime flavors, reminiscent of the classic rickey cocktail but without alcohol. This syrupy, brightly colored drink was a summertime favorite for many New Englanders growing up, providing a refreshing, fruity reprieve from the heat.
Listen up, folks! I've got a delightful summer beverage story to share with you today - one that's deeply rooted in my childhood memories and has now received a modern, homemade twist. Get ready to pucker up and embrace the tart, refreshing awesomeness of the Raspberry Lime Rickey.
For those of you who grew up in the Boston area like I did, the name "Brigham's" likely brings back fond recollections of hot summer days spent indulging in their creamy, decadent ice cream. But for me, the real magic happened when I ordered their famous Raspberry Lime Rickey - a sweet, syrupy concoction that had me dreaming of brain freezes and sunny afternoons.
Now, let's get one thing straight: the Brigham's version was no ordinary rickey. While the classic cocktail typically consists of lime juice, carbonated water, and gin (for the adults, of course), this delightful deviation embraced the essence of raspberry, creating a vibrant, tooth-achingly sweet elixir that had me hooked from the first sip.
As a kid, I was utterly captivated by the mystique surrounding the name "rickey." Who was this Rickey fellow, and why did he deserve such a delightful beverage bearing his moniker?
Little did I know, the drink's origins could be traced back to the late 1800s, when a bartender in Washington, D.C., whipped up the refreshing libation for a famed lobbyist named Colonel Joe Rickey. Talk about a legacy!
Fast forward to today, and my adult palate has evolved, craving a more balanced, tart rendition of this childhood favorite. Enter: the homemade Raspberry Lime Rickey remix. Trust me; this upgraded version will have you doing a happy dance all summer long.
Here's the scoop: we're keeping things simple yet flavorful. Fresh raspberries, lime juice, and a touch of sweetener (I prefer honey or maple syrup) come together in perfect harmony. Top it off with some bubbly seltzer water, and you've got yourself a grown-up rickey that's equal parts refreshing, tangy, and downright delicious.
But wait, there's more! If you're feeling fancy, why not muddle in some fresh mint leaves or add a splash of your favorite spirit (gin, vodka, or rum would all make excellent additions)? The possibilities are endless, and the beauty lies in crafting a rickey that suits your personal taste buds.
Now, a quick disclaimer: while I've waxed poetic about the joys of this beverage, please remember to imbibe responsibly if you decide to add a boozy kick to your rickey. Moderation is key, folks!
So, there you have it, dear readers – a nostalgic trip down memory lane, coupled with a modern twist on a classic summer sipper. Whether you're a Boston native reminiscing about Brigham's glory days or a newcomer eager to embrace a refreshing beverage tradition, the Raspberry Lime Rickey is sure to become a staple in your warm-weather lineup.
Grab your ingredients, fire up your muddler, and get ready to pucker up in delight. Trust me; your taste buds (and inner child) will thank you!
Brigham's Raspberry Lime Rickey Recipe
Brigham's Raspberry Lime Rickey: A Nostalgic Summer Sipper Gets a Remix
prep time with cook time.
Serves 1 and contains approximately 120 calories per serving.
American / Beverage
Ingredients
- 6-8 fresh raspberries
- 1⁄4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp raspberry syrup (see notes for homemade recipe)
- 1 cup seltzer water or club soda, chilled
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Lime wedge for garnish
For the Raspberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
Directions
- Make the raspberry syrup first by combining the raspberries, water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved.
- Turn heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes, mashing the raspberries gently with a fork or potato masher to release juices.
- Remove from heat and strain out solids using a fine mesh strainer. Allow syrup to cool completely before using. (Makes about 1⁄2 cup syrup).
- To make the rickey, add the fresh raspberries to a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass. Use a muddler to gently crush and release the juices.
- Add the lime juice, raspberry syrup, and a handful of ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled collins or highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with seltzer water and give a quick stir to combine.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh mint leaves.
Notes:
- For an adults-only version, add 1.5 oz of gin, vodka or white rum after straining into the glass before topping with seltzer.
- The raspberry syrup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- For a sweeter rickey, add more raspberry syrup to taste.
- For a tarter rickey, add more fresh lime juice.
This homemade take stays true to the sweet-tart raspberry-lime flavor combination, but uses fresh, quality ingredients. The raspberry syrup adds intense fruit flavor and vibrant color. Muddling the fresh raspberries releases aroma and texture. It's perfectly balanced between sweet and sour for an ultra-refreshing summertime sipper!
Check this video out about Brigham's Raspberry Lime Rickey.
Rated 4.9 by 27 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: Brigham's Raspberry Lime Rickey, Brigham's Raspberry Lime Rickey Recipe
Published by: Dish Dupes
FAQs
What is a Raspberry Lime Rickey? A Raspberry Lime Rickey is a non-alcoholic beverage made with raspberry and lime flavors, seltzer water, and sweetener. It's a variation on the classic Rickey cocktail, which originated in Washington D.C. in the 1800s.
Is it actually alcoholic? No, the Brigham's version is a virgin drink without any alcohol. However, modern homemade recipes sometimes add a splash of gin, vodka, or rum for an adult twist.
Why is it called a "Rickey"? The name comes from the original Rickey cocktail, created for Colonel Joe Rickey in the late 1800s. It traditionally contained gin, lime, and carbonated water.
Was it really that popular at Brigham's? Absolutely! The Raspberry Lime Rickey was one of the most beloved non-ice cream menu items at Brigham's. Its sweet-tart flavor and bright pink hue made it an iconic order for kids and adults alike.
What did the original Brigham's version taste like? Accounts describe the classic Brigham's Rickey as extremely sweet and syrupy, with a very pronounced raspberry flavor and just a hint of lime tartness.
Why did it become so nostalgic? For many New Englanders, ordering a Raspberry Lime Rickey at Brigham's was a quintessential summer experience and rite of passage. The taste instantly transports people back to childhood memories of hot days, sticky hands, and happiness in a cup.
How can I make it at home? Countless recipes exist for homemade raspberry lime rickeys using fresh raspberries, lime juice, seltzer, and a sweetener like honey or simple syrup. Some make a raspberry syrup base first for more concentrated flavor.
Do homemade versions differ from Brigham's original? Most agree homemade recipes result in a more balanced, less cavity-inducingly sweet beverage than Brigham's super sugary proprietary mix. But the essence of raspberry-lime is there.
Any fun modifications or twists? Definitely! You can make it tarter with extra lime, boozier by adding spirits, herbaceous with muddled mint, or even combine it with iced tea for a raspberry-lime iced tea rickey fusion.
Is the Brigham's recipe a total secret? While the exact Brigham's proprietary blend is unknown, enough Boston natives have tried to reverse-engineer it over the decades. Through trial and error, many delicious approximations now exist for this regional favorite.
Whether you sipped it religiously at Brigham's counters or have yet to experience its sweet-tart glory, the Raspberry Lime Rickey remains an integral part of New England's beverage heritage. Give a homemade version a try and taste a little Boston nostalgia for yourself!
