Classic Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces of gin
  • 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
  • Lime wheel for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Chill a cocktail glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
  2. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice.
  4. Shake well for about 20 seconds until well chilled.
  5. Strain the mixture into the chilled cocktail glass.
  6. Garnish the cocktail with a lime wheel before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cocktail shaker - Used to mix and chill the ingredients.
  • Cocktail strainer - Used to strain the mixture into the glass while keeping ice and other solid ingredients out.
  • Cocktail glass - A stemmed glass used to serve the Gimlet.
  • Citrus juicer - Optional tool for squeezing fresh lime juice.
  • Ice - Required for chilling the cocktail.
  • Lime wheel - Used as a garnish for the cocktail.

Recipe variations

  • Vodka Gimlet: Replace the gin with vodka for a different flavor profile.
  • Herb-infused Gimlet: Infuse the gin with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary for added fragrance and taste.
  • Fruit-infused Gimlet: Add muddled berries or citrus fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or grapefruit for a fruity twist.
  • Spicy Gimlet: Add a dash of hot sauce or muddle jalapeno slices for a spicy kick.
  • Elderflower Gimlet: Replace the simple syrup with elderflower liqueur for a floral and sweet variation.
  • Cucumber Gimlet: Muddle fresh cucumber slices and add them to the shaker for a refreshing and crisp flavor.
  • Sorbet Gimlet: Shake the ingredients with a scoop of sorbet for a creamy and fruity Gimlet variation.
  • Frozen Gimlet: Blend the ingredients with ice to create a frozen Gimlet slushie.

Recipe overview

The Gimlet is a classic cocktail with a rich history, dating back to the days of old British navy. It's a simple yet sophisticated cocktail that combines the crispness of gin with the freshness of lime and the sweetness of simple syrup. This cocktail is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or a novice, you'll enjoy the balanced flavors in this easy-to-make drink. In just a few steps, you'll be shaking up your own Gimlet cocktail and impressing your guests with your mixology skills. So gather your ingredients, and let's get started on making this timeless cocktail.

Common questions

  1. Can I use vodka instead of gin? Yes, you can substitute gin with vodka to make a vodka gimlet.
  2. Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice? While fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled lime juice as a substitute if fresh limes are not available.
  3. What is simple syrup and can I make it at home? Simple syrup is a sweetening agent made by dissolving equal parts of sugar and water. It is easy to make at home by heating the sugar and water mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow it to cool before using in the gimlet recipe.
  4. What type of glass should I use to serve the gimlet? Traditionally, a chilled cocktail glass or a martini glass is used to serve the gimlet.
  5. Can I add any additional garnishes? While a lime wheel is the classic garnish for a gimlet, you can get creative and add other garnishes like a sprig of mint or a twist of lime peel.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cocktail shaker - Used to mix and chill the ingredients.
  • Cocktail strainer - Helps strain the cocktail mixture into the glass, removing any ice or unwanted particles.
  • Jigger - A measuring tool used to accurately measure small amounts of liquid ingredients.
  • Citrus juicer - Useful for extracting fresh lime juice.
  • Cocktail glass - The preferred glassware for serving a Gimlet.
  • Ice - Needed to chill the cocktail and fill the shaker.
  • Garnish tool - Such as a knife or peeler, to create a lime wheel garnish.

Origin stories

The Gimlet cocktail has its origins in the British Royal Navy. In the mid-19th century, sailors began receiving rations of lime juice as a preventative measure against scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. The first Gimlets were likely a mixture of the sailors' gin ration and lime juice, not just to stave off disease, but also to make the harsh spirit more palatable. Over time, the addition of simple syrup transformed this medicinal mix into the refreshing cocktail we enjoy today. The Gimlet was popularized in literature by British author Raymond Chandler, in his novel "The Long Goodbye", where his protagonist, Phillip Marlowe, notably orders a Gimlet, cementing its place in cocktail history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.