Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic12.5% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Spicy Food, Desserts, Summer
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusMixer
- 2.0 ozLight RumBase
- 2.0 ozFresh Grapefruit JuiceCitrus
- 1.0 ozGinger LiqueurModifier
- 2.0 ozFresh Lime JuiceCitrus
- to tasteSoda WaterMixer
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStrain
- Shake first four ingredients with ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into ice-filled highball glass and top with soda water.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
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 sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness โ reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral โ the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean โ it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable โ pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Ginger Grapefruit Rickey?
- The Ginger Grapefruit Rickey is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 12.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 263 calories.
- What does a Ginger Grapefruit Rickey taste like?
- Ginger Grapefruit Rickey has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Grapefruit, Lime, Sparkling. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Ginger Grapefruit Rickey?
- Ginger Grapefruit Rickey pairs well with Spicy Food, Desserts, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Ginger Grapefruit Rickey?
- The Ginger Grapefruit Rickey has an ABV of approximately 12.5%. That's approximately 1.88 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 263 calories, 12.5g sugar, 20.8g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Ginger Grapefruit Rickey typically served?
- Ginger Grapefruit Rickey is a popular choice for Summer, Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Ginger Grapefruit Rickey?
- If you enjoy Ginger Grapefruit Rickey, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Ginger Grapefruit Rickey at home?
- Yes. The Ginger Grapefruit Rickey uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward 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 Ginger Grapefruit 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.

