Cocktails › Classics › Gimlet
Gimlet
Gin, lime, and a little sweetness, and nothing else to hide behind. A Gimlet lives or dies on balance, the juniper dry and firm, the lime bright and tart, the syrup just enough to round the edge without softening the bite. Shake it hard, strain it cold, and drink it while the glass still frosts.
Ingredients
- 2oz (60ml) London dry gin
- 0.75oz (22ml) fresh lime juice
- 0.75oz (22ml) simple syrup
- Plenty of fresh ice
- Lime wheel, for garnish
Method
- Chill a coupe glass in the freezer, or fill it with ice water while you work.
- Add the gin, the lime juice, and the simple syrup to a shaker filled with fresh ice.
- Shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and the drink is well chilled.
- Strain into the chilled coupe and let the surface settle for a moment.
- Rest the lime wheel on the rim, or float it on the surface of the drink.
Tip: Taste the lime before you commit. Limes vary a lot, and a dull one makes a flat drink no matter how good the gin is. If the lime tastes sharp and fragrant, keep the syrup as written. If it tastes soft and sweet, pull the syrup back a touch.
Serve It With
Our sister site Cooking with Dade pairs it with Air Fried Honey Lime Chicken.
Variations
- Vodka Gimlet. Swap the gin for vodka. The lime takes the lead and the finish turns cleaner and softer, a good call for anyone who finds juniper too loud.
- Basil Gimlet. Slap three fresh basil leaves between your palms and shake them with everything else, then strain twice so the glass stays clear. The basil lifts the lime and adds a green garden note underneath the gin.
Questions
What is in a Gimlet?
London dry gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. The drink is shaken hard with ice, strained into a chilled coupe, and finished with a lime wheel.
Where does the Gimlet come from?
The Gimlet comes from Britain and is tied to sailors who mixed gin with preserved lime juice at sea. The fresh version in this recipe keeps the same spirit, tart, and clean, with brighter lime and a firmer chill.
Should a Gimlet use lime cordial or fresh lime?
Both are true to the drink. Cordial gives the softer and rounder classic glass, while fresh lime juice with simple syrup tastes brighter and sharper. This recipe uses fresh lime because it lets the gin show more clearly.
What gin works best in a Gimlet?
A London dry gin with firm juniper works best, because the lime will soften anything delicate. A bold and dry bottle holds its shape in the glass from the first sip to the last.
Is a Gimlet shaken or stirred?
Shaken. Citrus needs the hard shake for chill, dilution, and a light froth on the surface. Stirring leaves a fresh lime drink tasting flat and warm at the edges.