This basic gimlet recipe is straightforward to make with gin, recent lime juice, and easy syrup. It is tart and refreshing—considered one of my favourite cocktails!
I like a gimlet cocktail. Made with simply 3 elements—gin, recent lime juice, and easy syrup—this bitter cocktail is shiny, botanical, and refreshing. I usually 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 basic 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 favor a sweeter drink, or a tangier one, be happy so as to add an additional splash of straightforward syrup or lime juice. Cheers!
Gimlet Cocktail Substances
Right here’s what you’ll have to make this basic gin cocktail:
- Gin, after all! – As a result of this cocktail is so easy, you’ll actually style the gin. Make certain 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 may simply make your individual with equal components sugar and water. Learn the way on this easy syrup recipe.
One final thing—don’t neglect ice in your cocktail shaker!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements beneath.
Find out 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 an alternative of following the “golden ratio” of bitter cocktails—2 components spirit to 1 half candy to 1 half bitter—it goes heavier on the gin and lighter on the candy/bitter.
I like this stability, however be happy 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 whole recipe with measurements beneath.
Recipe Variations
Make a vodka gimlet: Use vodka as an alternative 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 every day rations of citrus juice to forestall 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 believed to have been made by a sailor who mixed Rose’s Lime Cordial with gin.
- For this variation, use Rose’s Lime Juice as an alternative of the recent lime juice, and omit the easy 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 beloved studying how you can make a gimlet, attempt considered one of these basic cocktails subsequent:

Gimlet Cocktail
Serves 1
Tart and refreshing, a gimlet is considered one of my favourite cocktails. With simply 3 elements, it is easy to make at dwelling! I like the ratio of gin to lime juice to sweetener right here, however be happy to regulate it to fit your tastes.
- 2½ ounces gin
- ½ ounce recent 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 effectively chilled.
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Pressure into a calming coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel.