The Gimlet is a classic cocktail that combines the refreshing zest of lime juice with the botanical notes of gin. This simple yet elegant drink is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a sophisticated dinner party or just unwinding after a long day.
While most of the ingredients for a Gimlet are commonly found in many households, you might need to pick up a bottle of gin if you don't already have it. Additionally, simple syrup can be made at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water, but it can also be purchased ready-made at most supermarkets.

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 by dissolving sugar in water, used to balance the tartness of the lime juice.
Technique Tip for Making a Gimlet
When making a gimlet, ensure you use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled juice. Fresh juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cocktail. Additionally, when shaking the mixture, do so vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup are well combined and properly chilled. This will result in a smoother, more refreshing drink.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
gin - Substitute with vodka: Vodka has a neutral flavor that can mimic the alcohol content without the botanical notes of gin.
gin - Substitute with white rum: White rum provides a different but pleasant flavor profile, adding a touch of sweetness.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and tartness, though the flavor will be slightly different.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with bottled lime juice: Bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, though it may lack the freshness and brightness of freshly squeezed juice.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and adds a mild, pleasant flavor.
simple syrup - Substitute with honey syrup: Honey syrup (honey mixed with water) adds a richer, more complex sweetness to the drink.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to a Gimlet
How to Store or Freeze Your Gimlet
- To store your Gimlet mixture, transfer it to an airtight container. Ensure the container is clean and dry before use.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The Gimlet can be stored for up to 3 days, maintaining its fresh and zesty flavor.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the Gimlet. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays, allowing you to thaw only what you need.
- Once frozen, transfer the Gimlet cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the desired amount of Gimlet cubes in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Shake with ice before serving to restore its chilled and refreshing quality.
- Always label your containers with the date of preparation to keep track of freshness.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the leftover Gimlet into a sealable container and store it in the refrigerator.
- When ready to reheat, avoid using a microwave as it can alter the delicate flavors of the gin and lime juice.
- Instead, fill a large bowl with warm water (not boiling) and place the sealed container in the water for a few minutes to gently bring the Gimlet to a more palatable temperature.
- Alternatively, you can pour the Gimlet into a cocktail shaker with fresh ice and shake it again to chill it without diluting the flavors too much.
- Strain the reheated Gimlet into a martini glass and enjoy.
Essential Tools for Making a Gimlet
Cocktail shaker: Essential for mixing the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice to chill the drink properly.
Jigger: Useful for accurately measuring the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Citrus juicer: Handy for extracting fresh lime juice efficiently and with minimal effort.
Strainer: Necessary for straining the mixed cocktail into the glass, ensuring a smooth drink without ice shards.
Martini glass: The ideal serving vessel for a gimlet, providing the classic presentation and enhancing the drinking experience.
Ice: Crucial for chilling the cocktail during the shaking process, ensuring a refreshing drink.
How to Save Time on Making a Gimlet
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup in advance to save time during preparation.
Use bottled lime juice: If you're in a hurry, opt for high-quality bottled lime juice instead of squeezing fresh limes.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of simple syrup and store it in the fridge for future use.
Chill your glass: Place your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes before making the cocktail to keep it extra cold.
Use a jigger: A jigger ensures precise measurements, speeding up the mixing process.

Gimlet Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 0.75 oz Lime juice freshly squeezed
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
Instructions
- 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- 2. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- 3. Shake well until chilled.
- 4. Strain into a martini glass.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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