Gin Gimlet: Classy Gin Cocktail
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The Gimlet cocktail is one of the easiest classic cocktails to craft at home. It’s also one of the classiest.
In simple terms, the Gimlet is a sophisticated sipper that combines gin with lime and sugar to create a sour cocktail that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Its complex flavor contrasts the yin of tart lime with the yang of sugar’s sweetness in a way that simply works.
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Originally imbibed to prevent scurvy (more on that later), the Gimlet caught our eye when Betty Draper sipped them on Mad Men. Little did we know that these lime-forward gin cocktails would be super easy to craft and even easier to drink.
History of the Gimlet
The Gimlet has a colorful backstory that involves British officers, sailors and scurvy. It all sounds scandalous, but it’s actually quite mundane.
As we learned while touring the HMS Victory in Portsmouth, British sailors lived a really tough life while sailing the seas during the 19th century. Liquor softened the edges and, when mixed with lime juice, helped to prevent scurvy.
So, it’s fair to call the Gimlet a lifesaver with its one-two punch of alcohol and vitamin C. As for the officers, they simply liked the way that the Gimlet tasted. We can relate.
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Ingredients
This Gimlet recipe includes the following ingredients:
Ingredient quantities are detailed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Craft a Gimlet Cocktail
The list of necessary bar tools to craft a Gimlet is as short as the classic cocktail’s ingredient list. All you need is a cocktail a shaker, strainer and a jigger.
The first step is to measure the ingredients with a jigger and pour them directly into the shaker.
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The second step is to add ice and shake until the ingredients are chilled and mixed. You can stir the ingredients if you don’t have a shaker.
Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass.
All that’s left to do is garnish the cocktail with a lime wheel.
Pro Tip
Cut a slit in the lime wheel so that it fits snugly onto the cocktail glass.
Variations
If you’re feeling experimental or want to switch out the gin for a different liquor, here are some alternatives for your consideration:
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Gimlet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- ¾ ounce lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- 1 wheel lime (garnish)
- ice cubes (for shaking)
Instructions
- Pour gin, lime juice and simple syrup into a shaker.
- Add ice and shake vigorously until ingredients are mixed and chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
- You can replace the lime juice and simple syrup with 2/3 oz. Rose’s Lime Juice.
- Making simple syrup from scratch takes 10 minutes. We consider it time well spent.
- You can use a small martini glass if you don’t have a coupe glass.
Nutrition
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
The Gimlet is a sophisticated sipper that combines gin with lime and sugar to create a cocktail that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Its complex flavor contrasts the yin of tart lime with the yang of sugar’s sweetness in a way that simply works.
Dry Gin, Simple Syrup, Fresh Lime Juice and Ice Cubes (for shaking)
You should use your favorite gin in this cocktail recipe. We typically use Citadelle gin, but any dry gin will work just fine.
The Gimlet is shaken, not stirred.
We like to serve this cocktail in a coupe glass, but you could use a small martini glass instead.
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