Classic Gimlet Cocktail

A gimlet is lightly sweet and refreshing classic cocktail with lime juice. A gimlet is to gin what a daiquiri is to rum.

The gimlet is very similar to a daiquiri and there are endless way you can change up the flavors slightly if you like variety. But, it’s for sure one of those tasty and super easy drinks that any at-home cocktail maker should know how to whip up.

Related: 40 Fun Cocktails to Make at Home

Confession: Years ago if you had asked me what my least favorite spirit was, I probably would have answered, “gin.” But to be fair, I really hadn’t tried very many brands of gin, nor had I really tried very many cocktails with it.

Once I tried this classic gimlet recipe that changed! 

I still love this classic drink, although I tend to order or make a Negroni more often when the weather is cold. I don’t know why exactly. Probably because my bitter (but sweet drink) of choice in the summer is usually an Aperol Spritz. I digress.

Gin found its way back into my life—the gateway being my love of Negronis. And in spring, summer, fall, or winter, probably my favorite gin cocktail has to be a gimlet. Not only does it have a fun and sort of spunky name, this cocktail is completely refreshing as well as delicious.

And speaking of gin, be sure to use a quality one here. Like most simple cocktails with few ingredients, the quality of the spirt you use will really show.

The version I make at home is very simple—see below. You can absolutely buy simple syrup, but if you want to make your own, here’s an easy version.

Simply combine equal parts water and sugar in a pot over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved (do not allow the mixture to get so hot it boils).

Cool and use as needed, you can store and refrigerate as well so you can easily make a larger batch to use for months at a time. If this sounds good to you but you don’t do alcohol, you can sub the gin for this!

I love this drink in a classic coupe glass, but you can serve it in whatever you want. Cheers! – Emma

Love this cocktail? Check out The Best Martini Recipes for more!

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4.86 from 7 votes

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Yield 1

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2½ ounces gin
• ▢ ¾ ounces lime juice (fresh)
• ▢ ¾ ounces simple syrup

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, combine all three ingredients with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Or you can combine all the ingredients, stir, and serve over ice.
• Add a sprig of rosemary or mint leaf for garnish and to add a little aroma if you have it, otherwise a lime wedge is a great garnish as well.

Notes

You can swap out the gin for vodka if you want a vodka gimlet instead.

Course Drinks

Keywords cocktails, gimlet