Monday, June 6, 2011

A Snappy Raspberry Lime Rickey


Sunshine is streaming through the window as I write. I repeat, SUN. How happy am I? A warm breeze and rays of light fill the kitchen. Of course, rain may return, but that is not in my thoughts right now. Instead, I have soda fountains and palm trees on my mind.

Growing up in the Boston area, Raspberry Lime Rickeys were a favorite summer sipper of mine. I ordered them at Brigham's Ice Cream and loved the sweet raspberry flavor with a hint of lime. Part of the appeal for me was also wondering, "Who's Rickey?" (I’ve since learned that in 1883 Colonel Joe Rickey from Missouri added some lime to his morning bourbon and sparkling water and the “Joe Rickey” was born.)

In high school, I worked at the Putnam Pantry in Lexington MA, an ice cream parlor featuring a sundae smorgasbord and chocolates. One of the many delights served were Raspberry Lime Rickeys. Looking back, I recall an extremely sweet, syrupy drink and decided to tart it up a bit which makes for a bright, refreshing drink.

Snappy Raspberry Lime Rickey
Serves 2 (Recipe easily doubles)

2 cups frozen organic unsweetened raspberries, defrosted (save the juice)
4 tablespoons agave syrup
1/4 cup water
12-15 fresh mint leaves
3 large limes
2 cups seltzer
ice

In a medium saucepan, mix the raspberries, their juice, agave syrup and mint leaves. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes, mashing any whole berries until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool.

Squeeze enough lime juice to measure 1/3 cup (about 2 large limes). Strain the cooled raspberry mixture, mashing well to get all the syrup. (Syrup can be prepared ahead and kept chilled.)

In a pretty pitcher, combine the lime juice, raspberry syrup and 2 cups of seltzer. Add ice and serve with lime wedges to garnish. Sip on some summer!

(In the spirit of Col. Rickey, feel free to add a splash of spirit! I prefer gin or vodka over bourbon for this drink, though.)

8 comments:

  1. My husband grew up on the North Shore so you've just walked me through his favorite hometown spots. One of our first dates was at the Putnam Pantry, and when we do find a Brigham's (it's getting harder and harder to) he always gets the lime rickey.

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  2. This sounds delicious. I've never had a Rickey of any kind, but I do love limes. It sounds perfect for today (it's supposed to get up to 99 degrees).

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  3. @cheapbeets Oh wow, seeing you mention the North Shore transports me back to Crane's Beach, Good Harbor and hanging out in Rockport. Good summer memories! I'm sad Brigham's is disappearing, I haven't seen one in years.

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  4. @Lauren Hairston I'm a lime fan, too, especially in hot weather and sounds like that is definitely what you have. Keep cool!

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  5. This looks delicious! Our first raspberries of the year are ripening, I think I'll have to give it a try. Thank you for the idea.

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  6. @mypantryshelf.com
    Oh, fresh raspberries would be terrific. Ours won't be in for awhile here. Enjoy!

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  7. While reading this post, I started to look back, and I totally miss all the great afternoons we had in the back yard with delicious drinks!

    I'm going to make this for my roomates, with a splash of spirit (of course), after our final exam! :)

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  8. @Maren
    Oh Maren, I miss you! I can't wait for you to visit and to share more fun drinks in the backyard. Good luck on exams!

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