The gimlet is a classic cocktail that combines the refreshing tartness of lime juice with the botanical notes of gin. It's a simple yet sophisticated drink that is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home.
While most of the ingredients for this gimlet recipe are likely to be found in your home bar, you may need to pick up some fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the best flavor, and simple syrup can be easily made at home or purchased at the store.

Ingredients For Gimlet Recipe
Gin: A distilled alcoholic beverage that forms the base of the cocktail, known for its juniper berry flavor.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed juice from limes, providing a tart and refreshing citrus flavor.
Simple syrup: A sweetener made from equal parts sugar and water, used to balance the tartness of the lime juice.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve the perfect balance in your gimlet, make sure to use freshly squeezed lime juice. Bottled lime juice can have a different acidity and flavor profile, which can affect the overall taste of your cocktail. Additionally, when shaking the mixture, ensure you shake vigorously for at least 15 seconds to properly chill and dilute the drink, enhancing its smoothness and flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka provides a neutral flavor that allows the lime juice and simple syrup to shine, similar to gin but without the botanical notes.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and tartness, making it a good alternative to lime juice.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and provides a similar sweetness level to simple syrup.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- To store your gimlet mixture, transfer it to an airtight container or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
- Keep the container in the refrigerator. The gin and lime juice combination will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to give it a good shake before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
- If you wish to prepare a larger batch for a party, you can scale up the recipe and store it in a pitcher. Just remember to keep it chilled and covered until ready to serve.
- For a fun twist, you can freeze the gimlet mixture in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. These gimlet cubes can be used to chill your drink without diluting it, or you can blend them for a frosty version of the cocktail.
- When freezing, ensure that the mixture is well-sealed to prevent any freezer odors from affecting the taste. The frozen gimlet mixture can last up to a month in the freezer.
- If you prefer a more immediate option, you can pre-chill your cocktail glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving. This will keep your gimlet icy cold without the need for additional ice.
- Always garnish with a fresh lime wheel just before serving to add a burst of color and a hint of fresh citrus aroma.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the gin mixture into a small saucepan.
- Gently heat over low flame, stirring occasionally, until just warmed. Avoid boiling to preserve the lime juice's fresh flavor.
- Alternatively, transfer the cocktail to a microwave-safe glass.
- Microwave on low power in 10-second intervals, stirring between each, until slightly warm.
- For a cold refresh, simply add fresh ice and shake again in a cocktail shaker.
- Always garnish with a fresh lime wheel for that finishing touch.
Best Tools for Making This Recipe
Cocktail shaker: A container used to mix the ingredients with ice, ensuring they are well combined and chilled.
Jigger: A measuring tool used to accurately measure the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Citrus juicer: A tool to extract fresh lime juice efficiently.
Ice: Used to chill the ingredients in the cocktail shaker.
Strainer: A device to strain the liquid from the ice as you pour the cocktail into the glass.
Cocktail glass: The glass in which the gimlet will be served, ideally chilled beforehand.
Lime wheel: A garnish to enhance the presentation of the cocktail.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-make simple syrup: Prepare a batch of simple syrup in advance and store it in the fridge. This saves time when making multiple cocktails.
Use fresh lime juice: Squeeze lime juice ahead of time and keep it in a sealed container. Fresh juice enhances flavor and speeds up preparation.
Chill your glass: Place your cocktail glass in the freezer before starting. A chilled glass keeps your gimlet colder for longer.
Batch your drinks: If serving multiple guests, scale up the recipe and mix in a larger shaker. This reduces repetitive steps.

Gimlet Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz lime juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel, if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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