Gimlet

Name: Gimlet
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 60 ml / 2 oz Gin; 30 ml / 1 oz Lime Cordial

Ingredients Instructions

The Gimlet is a quintessential gin cocktail, celebrated for its sharp, refreshing, and invigorating character. It perfectly balances the botanical notes of gin with the sweet and tart flavor of lime cordial. Typically served straight up in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, its simplicity is its greatest strength. The result is a crisp, clean, and elegant drink with a zesty citrus kick.

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Gimlet is a classic cocktail, celebrated for its simple yet elegant combination of gin and lime. It is firmly categorized within the sour family of cocktails, which balance a spirit with citrus and a sweetener. Its timeless appeal places it among the essential classic cocktails in bartending history.

Serving

This is a spirit-forward drink served cold and straight up in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Its alcohol content is moderately high, typically ranging from 25% to 30% ABV.

Serving size

Approximately 90 ml / 3 oz (before dilution)

Alcohol content

Around 25-30% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Coupe or Cocktail glass

Glass treatment

Chilled

Backstory

The Gimlet is believed to have been invented in the late 19th century by British Royal Navy sailors to combat scurvy. Surgeon Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette is often credited with introducing the drink as a more palatable way for officers to take their daily ration of lime juice. The name is thought to derive either from him or from the small hand tool, a gimlet, used for tapping barrels of spirits.

Origin

United Kingdom, late 19th century. Associated with the British Royal Navy.

Gimlet

The drink is primarily known as the Gimlet. It is sometimes referred to as a Gin Gimlet to distinguish it from vodka-based variations. The name itself is consistent across its history and does not have significant alternative names.

Original name

Gimlet

Alternative name

Gin Gimlet

Characteristics overview

The Gimlet presents a crisp, tart flavor profile dominated by lime and gin's botanicals, with a clean, zesty aftertaste. Its appearance is a pale, translucent green, and it offers a smooth, refreshing texture perfect for any season.

Flavor

Tart, citrusy, botanical, sweet, crisp

Aroma

Lime, juniper, pine, floral

Taste balance

Sour, sweet

Aftertaste

Clean, zesty, slightly sweet

Fizziness

Still

Color appearance

Pale green, slightly cloudy, translucent

Texture

Smooth, crisp, clean

Seasonality

Refreshing, summery, year-round

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Gimlet is a bold drink characterized by high sourness and fruitiness from the lime, balanced by moderate sweetness. It has a notable alcohol strength and is not bitter, creamy, or carbonated.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

The classic Gimlet recipe requires only two main ingredients: a quality gin and lime cordial. A London Dry Gin is standard, while the traditional cordial is Rose's Lime Juice Cordial.

Gin60 ml / 2 oz
A classic London Dry Gin works beautifully.
Lime Cordial30 ml / 1 oz
Rose's Lime Cordial is traditional. For a fresher taste, use equal parts fresh lime juice and simple syrup.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail set including a shaker, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer. These tools are essential for properly chilling and mixing the drink before serving.

Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring
Strainer for pouring into the glass

Instructions

Preparation is straightforward: chill a glass, shake gin and lime cordial with ice, and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel to complete this classic cocktail.

1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.

3. Add the gin and lime cordial to the shaker.

4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.

5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.

6. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to remove any ice shards.

7. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel or wedge.

Garnishing

A simple lime wheel or wedge is the traditional and most fitting garnish for a Gimlet. It enhances the aroma and visually complements the drink's key flavor.

Lime wheel or wedge, placed on the rim or dropped into the drink

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is generally considered vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, although those with severe sensitivities should verify their specific spirit and cordial brands.

✓ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✓ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✓ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✓ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A standard Gimlet contains around 180-220 calories, with most coming from the alcohol and the 10-15 grams of sugar in the lime cordial. The carbohydrate content is moderate, primarily from sugar.

Calories

Averagely 180-220 kcal / 750-920 kJ

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Averagely 10-15 g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Averagely 10-15 g

Sugar level

Occasions

The Gimlet is a versatile and sophisticated choice suitable for various occasions. It excels as a pre-dinner aperitif, a staple at cocktail parties, or a refreshing drink for a warm summer evening. Its classic status makes it a reliable choice for happy hour gatherings.

Cocktail party
Pre-dinner drink
Summer evening
Happy hour

Pairing suggestions

The Gimlet's sharp, citrusy profile pairs excellently with seafood, such as grilled shrimp or fresh oysters. It also cuts through the richness of fried appetizers and complements the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. For a simple pairing, salty snacks like olives or Marcona almonds are a great choice.

Seafood, especially shrimp or oysters
Light appetizers like spring rolls
Spicy Thai or Vietnamese dishes
Salty snacks like olives or nuts

The Gimlet: A Piercingly Refreshing Classic

The Gimlet is a timeless cocktail celebrated for its brilliant simplicity and refreshing taste. Comprising just gin and lime cordial, it delivers a perfect balance of botanical complexity and zesty, sweet-tart citrus. Its origins are tied to the British Royal Navy, adding a layer of historical charm to every sip. Served chilled and straight up, it is an elegant and invigorating choice for any occasion, from a casual happy hour to a sophisticated cocktail party.