The gimlet is a timeless cocktail that truly merits more recognition! Crafted with gin, lime juice, and sweetened with simple syrup, it belongs to the sour category of cocktails. Reserve the intricate cocktails with obscure ingredients for upscale bars—enjoying a straightforward, citrusy, not overly sweet cocktail at home is one of life’s genuine delights.
The gimlet exudes a light and vibrant essence, akin to a more relaxed iteration of a martini that you can leisurely enjoy on a porch. I relish a gimlet during spring or summer—they’re refreshing and just perfect. If you take pleasure in ordering a quality gin cocktail or a margarita made with genuine lime juice, you will adore a homemade gimlet.
Gimlet Ingredients
Gimlets are shaken concoctions comprising three straightforward components: gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. When I worked as a bartender after college, we prepared gimlets with Rose’s sweetened lime juice, which tastes syrupy and synthetic. A blend of fresh lime and simple syrup is vastly superior.
Certain bartenders maintain that gimlets should be made with homemade lime cordials, but I believe a proper lime twist garnish is all you require. We can all agree that gimlets must be shaken, not stirred. They’re best served ice-cold, which is why my instructions recommend chilling the glass beforehand.
The Best Gin for Gimlets
Plymouth gin is the classic selection for a gimlet, and it’s an excellent one. If you’re ever put off by the intensity of juniper flavor in London dry gin like Tanqueray, you’ll appreciate having Plymouth gin in your bar. It’s less dry and more balanced.
I also enjoy using Hendrick’s gin in my gimlets. Its distinctive notes of cucumber and rose petals blend beautifully with the fresh lime, which is why I chose Hendrick’s for these images.
Feel free to use London dry gin in your gimlet with good results, if that’s available at home. Beefeater or Fords are solid choices.
Gimlet Variations
Now we’re getting exciting! Gimlets adapt wonderfully to fresh enhancements. You can discover a few variations on my blog already. Check out my Basil Gimlet, Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet, and Cucumber Mint Gimlet.
Here are some variations to experiment with. You can combine them freely for fantastic 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 creation is known as a Southside cocktail.
Cucumber: Include one 2-inch slice of peeled cucumber, halved and quartered. This variant is termed an Eastside cocktail.
Elderflower liqueur: Substitute St-Germain elderflower for the simple syrup to impart a subtle floral essence. This variation is referred to as the “French Gimlet.” St-Germain is less sweet than simple syrup, so you’ll want to use just over 1 ounce of St-Germain to maintain the sweetness balance.
Honey simple syrup: For richer flavors, replace the quantity of regular simple syrup with honey simple syrup. Opt for a light-colored honey, such as clover or orange blossom, for delightful floral nuances. This version brings to mind the Bee’s Knees, a similar cocktail featuring gin, lemon in place of lime, and honey simple syrup.
More Cocktails to Try
More Classic Gin Cocktails
I enjoy a fine gin cocktail. Here are a few more to explore:
More Citrusy Cocktails
These cocktails originate from the sour family, similar to the gimlet:
Please share how your gimlet turns out in the comments. I love hearing from you and hope the gimlets are a success at your next dinner gathering.
Gimlet Cocktail
The gimlet cocktail is a delightful mix of gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, garnished with a twist of lime. Recipe yields 1 serving; you can prepare up to 3 in a standard cocktail shaker simultaneously.
Instructions:
1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set it aside while you prepare the cocktail.
2. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 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 completely ice cold.
3. Discard the ice water from your glass and gently shake out any excess water droplets. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Lightly twist the lime peel over the drink to release the oils, then softly draw it over the rim of the glass before dropping it in. Savor.
Notes:
*To create simple syrup: Combine equal parts sugar (or honey) and water in a small saucepan or in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat over medium heat or in 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring occasionally.