Gimlet
A refreshing gin cocktail with lime juice and simple syrup, perfectly balanced between botanical, tart, and sweet flavors.
SUGGESTED GLASSWARE
Coupe Glass
Recipe
- London Dry Gin60 ml
- Lime Juice22.5 ml
- Simple syrup (1:1)15 ml
- Lemon Wheel1 piece
Instructions
Equipment
Description
The Gimlet is a timeless cocktail that originated in the late 19th century among British naval officers who mixed gin with lime cordial to prevent scurvy. This modern interpretation uses fresh lime juice and simple syrup instead of cordial, creating a clean, vibrant, and perfectly balanced drink that showcases the botanical complexity of quality gin while delivering bright citrus notes.
Nutritional information
1 cocktail (125ml)Tips & Notes
Always use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled for the brightest, most balanced flavor profile.
Chill your glassware beforehand to maintain the cocktail's temperature and enhance the drinking experience.
The classic ratio is 4:1:0.7 (gin:lime:syrup), but adjust to taste - add more lime for tartness or more syrup for sweetness.
Shake vigorously with plenty of ice to achieve proper dilution and temperature, which are crucial for balance.
Try different gin styles like Plymouth or contemporary gins with unique botanicals to create variations while maintaining the classic structure.
Can I use Rose's Lime Cordial instead of fresh lime juice?
Yes, for a historical version use 60ml gin with 30ml Rose’s Lime Cordial, omitting the simple syrup and fresh lime juice. However, the fresh lime version is preferred by modern bartenders for better balance and brightness.
What type of gin works best in a Gimlet?
London Dry gin is traditional and works excellently, but any high-quality gin you enjoy is suitable. Contemporary gins with unique botanicals like Hendrick’s, Plymouth, or Monkey 47 can add interesting complexity to the cocktail.
Can I serve a Gimlet on the rocks?
While traditionally served “up” in a coupe or martini glass, you can serve it over fresh ice in a rocks glass if preferred. This creates a more casual presentation and slower dilution as you drink.
How do I make simple syrup for this cocktail?
Combine equal parts sugar and water, stir until dissolved, and cool before use. You can make it hot by heating the water first, or cold by stirring room temperature water with superfine sugar until dissolved.
Whats the difference between a Gimlet and a Gin Sour?
The primary difference between a Gimlet and a Sour is the citrus and sweetener used: a Gimlet is a specific gin cocktail made with lime juice (or lime cordial) and simple syrup, while a Sour is a broad cocktail category (like a Gin Sour or Whiskey Sour) typically made with lemon juice, simple syrup, and often egg white.
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