Day: July 21, 2025

How to Prepare a Traditional Gimlet Cocktail

The gimlet is an iconic cocktail that truly merits more recognition! Crafted with gin, lime juice, and sweetened using simple syrup, it fits within the sour cocktail category. Set aside those intricate cocktails with obscure components for enjoying in upscale bars—sipping on a straightforward, citrusy, and moderately sweet drink at home ranks among life’s simple delights.

The gimlet is refreshing and vibrant, resembling a more laid-back martini that you can leisurely enjoy on a porch. I relish a gimlet during the spring or summer—they’re revitalizing and perfectly balanced. If you’re a fan of ordering a fine gin cocktail or a margarita featuring authentic lime juice, a homemade gimlet will surely please you.

Gimlet Ingredients

Gimlets are cocktails that are shaken, made with three basic components: gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. During my bartending days post-college, we prepared gimlets with Rose’s sweetened lime juice, which can taste overly sugary and artificial. A mix of fresh lime and simple syrup is far superior.

Some bartenders claim that gimlets should be crafted with homemade lime cordials, but I believe that a proper lime twist garnish suffices. We all agree that gimlets should be shaken, not stirred. They are best served ice-cold, which is why my instructions recommend chilling the glass beforehand.

The Best Gin for Gimlets

Plymouth gin is the classic option for a gimlet, and it’s an excellent choice. If you find the juniper flavor in London dry gins like Tanqueray to be off-putting, you’ll likely appreciate having Plymouth gin stocked in your bar. It’s less dry and more balanced.

I also enjoy using Hendrick’s gin in my gimlets. Its distinctive flavors of cucumber and rose petals blend beautifully with the fresh lime, which is why I opted for Hendrick’s in these images.

Feel free to utilize London dry gin in your gimlet for satisfactory results, if that’s what you have available. Beefeater or Fords are solid alternatives.

Gimlet Variations

Now we’re getting exciting! Gimlets are quite adaptable and welcome fresh additions. You can check out a few variations already posted on my blog, such as my Basil Gimlet, Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet, and Cucumber Mint Gimlet.

Here are some suggestions to experiment with. You can mix them freely for outstanding outcomes.

Fresh basil: Consider adding 8 medium basil leaves to your cocktail shaker.

Fresh mint: Incorporate up to 10 fresh mint leaves into your shaker. This is known as a Southside cocktail.

Cucumber: Introduce one 2-inch slice of peeled cucumber, cut in half and then quartered. This variation is referred to as an Eastside cocktail.

Elderflower liqueur: Substitute St-Germain elderflower for the simple syrup for a subtle floral taste. This variation is called the “French Gimlet.” St-Germain is not as sweet as simple syrup, so use just over 1 ounce of it to maintain the sweetness balance.

Honey simple syrup: For richer flavors, use the same quantity of honey simple syrup as you would standard simple syrup. Opt for a light-colored honey, like clover or orange blossom honey, for delightful floral notes. This version reminds me of the Bee’s Knees, a similar drink made with gin, lemon instead of lime, and honey simple syrup.

More Cocktails to Try

More Classic Gin Cocktails

I’m a fan of a great gin cocktail. Here are a few more to consider:

More Citrusy Cocktails

These drinks belong to the sour category alongside the gimlet:

Please share how your gimlet turns out in the comments. I enjoy hearing from you and hope that the gimlets are a success at your next dinner gathering.

Gimlet Cocktail

The gimlet cocktail is a charming mix of gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, garnished with a twist of lime. Recipe yields 1 drink; you can prepare up to 3 in a standard cocktail shaker at once.

Instructions:

1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set it aside while you mix the cocktail.
2. Then, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Secure the lid and shake the mixture for about 20 seconds, or until the exterior of the shaker feels thoroughly cold.
3. Discard the ice water from your glass and gently shake out any remaining droplets. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Gently twist the lime peel over the drink to release the oils, then lightly run it along the rim of the glass before placing it inside. Enjoy.

Notes:

*To prepare simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar (or honey) and water in a small saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl. Heat over medium heat or in 30-second intervals in the microwave, whisking occasionally.