This traditional gimlet recipe is simple to make with gin, contemporary lime juice, and easy syrup. It is tart and refreshing—one in every of my favourite cocktails!
I really like a gimlet cocktail. Made with simply 3 elements—gin, contemporary lime juice, and easy syrup—this bitter cocktail is brilliant, botanical, and refreshing. I typically order a gimlet after I’m out, however as a result of this drink is so easy, it’s additionally straightforward to make at dwelling.
I’m sharing a traditional gin gimlet recipe beneath. This recipe makes use of ratios I like, skewing heavier on the gin to let its floral taste shine. Should you desire a sweeter drink, or a tangier one, be at liberty so as to add an additional splash of straightforward syrup or lime juice. Cheers!
Gimlet Cocktail Substances
Right here’s what you’ll must make this traditional gin cocktail:
- Gin, after all! – As a result of this cocktail is so easy, you’ll actually style the gin. Be certain that to make use of one with a taste profile you like! I’m a fan of Hendrick’s, St. George Botanivore, and Koval Dry Gin (made regionally in Chicago!).
- Contemporary lime juice – Citrus juice is a key ingredient in any bitter cocktail. Freshly squeezed lime juice will give your drink the brightest, freshest taste. You’ll additionally need a skinny lime slice for garnish.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. You’ll be able to simply make your personal with equal elements sugar and water. Learn the way on this easy syrup recipe.
One very last thing—don’t neglect ice to your cocktail shaker!
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Tips on how to Make a Gimlet
This gimlet recipe is tremendous easy to make:
- Mix the gin, lime juice, and easy syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Cowl and shake till chilled.
- Pressure into a calming cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and serve!
This gimlet recipe is stronger than some. As a substitute of following the “golden ratio” of bitter cocktails—2 elements spirit to 1 half candy to 1 half bitter—it goes heavier on the gin and lighter on the candy/bitter.
I really like this steadiness, however be at liberty to regulate it to create a drink you love. Add extra lime for a tangier drink or further easy syrup for a sweeter one.
Discover the entire recipe with measurements beneath.
Recipe Variations
Make a vodka gimlet: Use vodka as a substitute of gin.
Go old skool: Now for a little bit of gimlet historical past! The gimlet has roots within the nineteenth century, when the British Royal Navy gave sailors day by day rations of citrus juice to stop scurvy.
The juice was initially diluted with alcohol to protect it, however in 1867, Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial—the primary sweetened lime juice focus—was patented. It turned the default citrus ration on ships. The primary gimlet is assumed to have been made by a sailor who mixed Rose’s Lime Cordial with gin.
- For this variation, use Rose’s Lime Juice as a substitute of the contemporary lime juice, and omit the straightforward syrup. Add extra Rose’s to style. Early recipes name for a 50/50 mixture of Rose’s and gin!
Extra Cocktail Recipes to Strive
Should you liked studying tips on how to make a gimlet, attempt one in every of these traditional cocktails subsequent:

Gimlet Cocktail
Serves 1
Tart and refreshing, a gimlet is one in every of my favourite cocktails. With simply 3 elements, it is easy to make at dwelling! I really like the ratio of gin to lime juice to sweetener right here, however be at liberty to regulate it to fit your tastes.
- 2½ ounces gin
- ½ ounce contemporary lime juice
- ½ ounce easy syrup
- Ice
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Stop your display from going darkish
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Place the gin, lime juice, and easy syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake till nicely chilled.
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Pressure into a calming coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel.