This basic gimlet recipe is simple to make with gin, contemporary lime juice, and easy syrup. It is tart and refreshing—one in all my favourite cocktails!
I like a gimlet cocktail. Made with simply 3 components—gin, contemporary lime juice, and easy syrup—this bitter cocktail is vivid, 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 simple 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. For those who desire 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 Elements
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 sure 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 desire a skinny lime slice for garnish.
- Easy syrup – For sweetness. You may simply make your personal with equal components sugar and water. Find out how on this simple syrup recipe.
One last item—don’t overlook ice on your cocktail shaker!
Discover the whole recipe with measurements beneath.
How you can 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 relaxing 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 steadiness, 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 style: Now for a little bit of gimlet historical past! The gimlet has roots in the 19th century, when the British Royal Navy gave sailors each 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 grew to become 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 an alternative 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 Attempt
For those who liked studying find out how to make a gimlet, strive one in all these basic cocktails subsequent:

Gimlet Cocktail
Serves 1
Tart and refreshing, a gimlet is one in all my favourite cocktails. With simply 3 components, it is simple 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 contemporary lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Forestall your display from going darkish
-
Place the gin, lime juice, and easy syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake till properly chilled.
-
Pressure into a relaxing coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel.