{"id":46420,"date":"2025-05-22T11:58:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T16:58:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cookieandkate.com\/?p=46420"},"modified":"2025-05-22T11:59:01","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T16:59:01","slug":"gimlet-cocktail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cookieandkate.com\/gimlet-cocktail\/","title":{"rendered":"Gimlet Cocktail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"best<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The gimlet is a classic cocktail that deserves more attention!<\/strong> Made with gin, lime juice and sweetened with simple syrup, it comes from the sour family of cocktails (my specialty). Save the elaborate cocktails with unrecognizable ingredients for ordering at fancy bars—a simple, citrusy, not-too-sweet cocktail at home is one of life’s simple pleasures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gimlet is light and bright, like a more casual version of a martini<\/a> that you can sip slowly on a porch. I love a gimlet in the spring or summer—they’re fresh and just right. If you enjoy ordering a good gin cocktail or a margarita made with real lime juice<\/a>, you will love a homemade gimlet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Watch How to Make a Gimlet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Gimlet Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gimlets are shaken cocktails made with three simple ingredients:<\/strong> gin, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. When I was a bartender after college, we served gimlets made with Rose’s sweetened lime juice, which tastes cloyingly sweet and artificial. A combination of fresh lime and simple syrup is far superior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some bartenders insist that gimlets must be made with homemade lime cordials, but I think a proper lime twist garnish is all you need. We all agree that gimlets must be shaken, not stirred. They’re best served ice-cold, which is why my instructions include chilling the glass before use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Gin for Gimlets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plymouth gin is the traditional choice for a gimlet, and it’s a great one.<\/strong> If you’re ever bothered by the level of juniper flavor in London dry gin like Tanqueray, you’ll appreciate having Plymouth gin in your liquor cabinet. It’s less dry and more well-rounded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also love to use Hendrick’s gin in my gimlets.<\/strong> Its unique flavors of cucumber and rose petals mingle nicely with the fresh lime, which is why I used Hendrick’s in these photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t hesitate to use London dry gin in your gimlet for good results,<\/strong> if that’s what you have at home. Beefeater or Fords are good options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"gimlet<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"how<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Gimlet Variations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now we’re talking! Gimlets lend themselves well to fresh additions. You can find a few of them on my blog already. Check out my Basil Gimlet<\/a>, Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet<\/a> and Cucumber Mint Gimlet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some options to try. You can mix them freely with great results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh basil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Try adding 8 medium basil leaves to your cocktail shaker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fresh mint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Add up to 10 fresh mint leaves to your shaker. This is called a Southside cocktail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cucumber<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Add one 2-inch slice of peeled cucumber, halved and then quartered. This is called an Eastside cocktail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elderflower liqueur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Use St-Germain elderflower in place of the simple syrup for a delicate floral flavor. This version is called the “French Gimlet.” St-Germain is less sweet than simple syrup, so you’ll need to use just over 1 ounce of St-Germain to keep the sweetness level balanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honey simple syrup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For more complex flavors, use the same amount of honey simple syrup as you would regular simple syrup. Choose a light-colored honey, like clover or orange blossom honey, for lovely floral flavors. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This version reminds me o<\/span>f the Bee’s Knees<\/a>, a similar cocktail made with gin, lemon instead of lime, and honey simple syrup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"pouring<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More Cocktails to Try<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

More Classic Gin Cocktails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I love a good gin cocktail<\/a>. Here are a few more to check out: <\/p>\n\n\n\n