The gimlet is a classic cocktail that deserves more attention! Made with gin, lime juice and sweetened with simple syrup, it comes from the sour family of cocktails (my specialty). Save the elaborate cocktails with unrecognizable ingredients for ordering at fancy bars—a simple, citrusy, not-too-sweet cocktail at home is one of life’s simple pleasures.
The gimlet is light and bright, like a more casual version of a martini that you can sip slowly on a porch. I love a gimlet in the spring or summer—they’re fresh and just right. If you enjoy ordering a good gin cocktail or a margarita made with real lime juice, you will love a homemade gimlet.
Watch How to Make a Gimlet
Gimlet Ingredients
Gimlets are shaken cocktails made with three simple ingredients: gin, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. When I was a bartender after college, we served gimlets made with Rose’s sweetened lime juice, which tastes cloyingly sweet and artificial. A combination of fresh lime and simple syrup is far superior.
Some bartenders insist that gimlets must be made with homemade lime cordials, but I think a proper lime twist garnish is all you need. We all agree that gimlets must be shaken, not stirred. They’re best served ice-cold, which is why my instructions include chilling the glass before use.
The Best Gin for Gimlets
Plymouth gin is the traditional choice for a gimlet, and it’s a great one. If you’re ever bothered by the level of juniper flavor in London dry gin like Tanqueray, you’ll appreciate having Plymouth gin in your liquor cabinet. It’s less dry and more well-rounded.
I also love to use Hendrick’s gin in my gimlets. Its unique flavors of cucumber and rose petals mingle nicely with the fresh lime, which is why I used Hendrick’s in these photos.
Don’t hesitate to use London dry gin in your gimlet for good results, if that’s what you have at home. Beefeater or Fords are good options.
Gimlet Variations
Now we’re talking! Gimlets lend themselves well to fresh additions. You can find a few of them on my blog already. Check out my Basil Gimlet, Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet and Cucumber Mint Gimlet.
Here are some options to try. You can mix them freely with great results.
Fresh basil
Try adding 8 medium basil leaves to your cocktail shaker.
Fresh mint
Add up to 10 fresh mint leaves to your shaker. This is called a Southside cocktail.
Cucumber
Add one 2-inch slice of peeled cucumber, halved and then quartered. This is called an Eastside cocktail.
Elderflower liqueur
Use St-Germain elderflower in place of the simple syrup for a delicate floral flavor. This version is called the “French Gimlet.” St-Germain is less sweet than simple syrup, so you’ll need to use just over 1 ounce of St-Germain to keep the sweetness level balanced.
Honey simple syrup
For more complex flavors, use the same amount of honey simple syrup as you would regular simple syrup. Choose a light-colored honey, like clover or orange blossom honey, for lovely floral flavors.
This version reminds me of the Bee’s Knees, a similar cocktail made with gin, lemon instead of lime, and honey simple syrup.
More Cocktails to Try
More Classic Gin Cocktails
I love a good gin cocktail. Here are a few more to check out:
More Citrusy Cocktails
These cocktails hail from the sour family like the gimlet:
Please let me know how your gimlet turns out in the comments. I love hearing from you and hope the gimlets are a hit at your next dinner party.
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Gimlet Cocktail
The gimlet cocktail is a delightful combination of gin, fresh lime juice and simple syrup, served up with a twist of lime. Recipe yields 1 drink; you can mix up to 3 in a standard cocktail shaker at once.
- Chill your coupe glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set it aside while you prepare the cocktail.
- Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the gin, lime juice and simple syrup. Securely fasten the lid and shake the mixture for about 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is absolutely ice cold.
- Discard the ice water in your glass and gently shake out any stubborn water droplets. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Gently twist the lime peel over the drink to release the oils, then lightly draw it over the rim of the glass before dropping it in. Enjoy.
Notes
*To make simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar (or honey) and water in a small saucepan or in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm over medium heat or in 30-second bursts in the microwave, whisking occasionally, just until the sweetener has fully dissolved into the water. Set it aside to cool before using. Leftover simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Gin recommendations: Plymouth gin is the most authentic choice and yields a great gimlet. I love Hendrick’s for its cucumber and floral notes. You could also use a London dry gin, like Beefeater or Fords.
Measurement tips: Two ounces is ¼ cup, 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons, and ½ ounce is 1 tablespoon.
Nutrition
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