A Gimlet is among the most iconic classic cocktail recipes. A traditional gimlet is made with 3 ingredients: gin, simple syrup, and lime juice. It’s a lightly sweet and extremely refreshing cocktail.
A Gin Gimlet is one of my go-to drinks when I am in the mood for something simple and fresh. The gimlet is a fascinating blend of flavors and stories. A gimlet is to gin what a daiquiri is to rum, since they are both made using a simple mixture of a spirit, lime juice, and sugar.
In this post, we will cover the history, ingredients, variations, and how to make the perfect Gimlet Cocktail.
More classic cocktails: Mojito, Negroni, Manhattan, Tom Collins, Rusty Nail, Green Tea Shot, Sidecar Cocktail, Paper Plane, The Last Word.
Table of Contents
History of a Gimlet Cocktail
As with many classic drinks, the origins of the Gimlet are not 100% clear. Rumor has it that during the 18th century British Royal Navy created the drink as a medicinal tonic to prevent scurvy.
The vitamin C from the citrus was supposed to help ward off illness, and the gin must have been an added bonus or a way to get everyone to drink it. 
The name “Gimlet” itself is thought to have been inspired by the gimlet tool—a small, handheld drilling device used to bore holes in wooden barrels used to store food or spirits.
Ingredients in a Gin Gimlet
- Gin – A Gimlet is traditionally made with gin. You can use other spirits, like vodka, if you prefer.
- Lime Juice – Lime is the primary flavor in a Gimlet. I always use fresh squeezed lime juice.
- Simple Syrup – You can use store bought or make your own Simple Syrup. It’s easy to make and guarantees a smooth drink with no unwanted texture from sugar crystals.
Best Gin for Gimlets
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. My go-to gin that is always available at stores is Hendrick’s. It’s high quality and reliable.
You can use any high quality (top shelf) gin you prefer to make a great gimlet though!
How to Make a Gimlet
In a cocktail shaker, combine all three ingredients with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Sometimes a gimlet is served over ice. In fact, my favorite local restaurant always ask which I prefer when I order a gimlet.
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.
Gimlet Variations
- One popular variation in many old recipe books is to use lime cordial instead of fresh lime juice and simple syrup. If you want to try this variation, use 2 ounces of gin and 1 ounce of Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial. Shake with ice pour into a chilled glass to serve.
- Vodka Gimlet: To make a Vodka Gimlet, follow our recipe and simply replace the gin with vodka.
- Basil Gimlet: Muddle a few fresh basil leaves in the mixing glass before adding the gin and lime cordial, infusing the cocktail with a herbal note.
- Cucumber Gimlet: Add a few slices of cucumber to the shaker and muddle them gently to release their refreshing essence. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a cucumber wheel.
- Rosemary Gimlet: Add some pieces of fresh rosemary to your simple syrup while preparing. Add more pieces to the cocktail shaker when shaking the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup mixture. Garnish with (you guessed it!) a piece of fresh rosemary.
What Glassware to Use for a Gimlet
I love this drink in a classic coupe glass. You can use any type of martini glass you have on hand. Another favorite of mine are these decorative cocktail glasses.
A pro tip is to chill your glass by popping it into the freezer at least 30 minutes before using. This will give you one of those frosty glasses like you would get in a fancy restaurant.
Learning to make simple, timeless cocktails like the Gin Gimlet can elevate your home cooking to the next level.
Cheers! Emma
Classic Gimlet
Ingredients
- 2½ ounces gin
- ¾ ounces lime juice fresh
- ¾ ounces simple syrup
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice and simple syrup 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.