The Best Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

The Gimlet is a simple and timeless cocktail which is bound to impress guests at your next dinner party. Refreshing, light, and perfect for summer, a gimlet is an easy cocktail to master. In this guide, we will break down how to make the perfect Gimlet in 5 easy step!

The History of the Gimlet

The Gimlet originated in the British Royal Navy, back in the 19th century. The simplicity and practicality of the recipe made it an instant hit for the men out at sea. Sailors were given daily rations of lime, to help prevent scurvy, a common disease at the time which was caused by a vitamin C deficiency. 

The sailors would mix the lime with gin, a spirit which was readily available to them at the time, and then the gin gimlet was born!

Want to learn more about gin history? Check out our blog post on The 18th Century Gin Craze.

The drink gained further popularity once lime juice cordial became readily available in the 18th century, a sweetened, preserved lime concentrate that could be stored without refrigeration. It has remained a staple offering in cocktail bars across the world since then. 

Gimlet Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2½ oz high quality gin 

• ½ oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz simple syrup

• Ice

• Lime wheel, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine the gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

4. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.

5. Enjoy!

Alternative Gimlet Recipes 

If you’re looking for something a bit different from the traditional gin gimlet. Whether you prefer a different spirit base, something a bit stronger, or sweeter, we have some tried and tested gin gimlet alternative cocktail recipes for you to try out. 

Pink Gimlet 

For those pink gin lovers looking for a sweeter take on a classic gimlet, consider swapping out the dry gin for pink gin. The fruity notes of pink gin compliments the sour lime perfectly, and is perfect for those that find a traditional gin gimlet slightly too bitter. 

Non-alcoholic Gin Gimlet

Love the taste of a gin gimlet but wanting to ditch the hangover? Try a gin gimlet mocktail, perfect at capturing the sophistication of a traditional gimlet, but without the alcohol. For this recipe, simply swap out the gin for either a 0% gin, or your favourite tonic water. 

Alternative Gimlet Garnishes

A simple but effective way to enhance a traditional gin gimlet and put your own twist on it is through trying and testing different garnishes to influence the flavour and aroma, here are some of our favourites:

Earthy Sage - Compliment the botanical notes of the gin, and balance out the tartness of the lime.

Refreshing Cucumber- Adding a refreshing and light twist and soothing aroma, perfect for summer evenings.

Herbal Basil - Lifts the citrusy profile of the gimlet for a vibrant and unique flavour.

Zesty Lemon - Enhances the gimlet’s lime notes and makes for a more refreshing and crisp twist. 

For more information on gin garnishes, read our gin & tonic garnishes blog.

Conclusion

Whether you want to stick to the traditional Gimlet, or put your own signature twist on it by experimenting with our alternative suggestions, you’re now equipped with all you need to know about whipping up this simple yet delicious cocktail! Cin cin!