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Gimlet – Gin Recipe

Gimlet – Gin Recipe

By What’s Baking

A perfectly balanced blend of crisp gin, bright lime, and subtle sweetness that delivers a refreshing, elegant sip with a tangy, thirst-quenching finish.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal-clear martini glass filled with a pale greenish-yellow Gimlet, photographed from a slight angle to capture both the surface tension of the liquid and the elegant stem. Dramatic side lighting creates highlights along the rim and through the transparent cocktail, showcasing its clarity. A thin, expertly twisted lime peel spirals around the interior of the glass with droplets of essential oils visible on the surface. Ice fragments sparkle throughout the drink, evidence of proper shaking. The background features a blurred marble bar top with subtle gin botanicals scattered artfully, suggesting the drink's core flavor profile.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml London dry gin (Tanqueray, Beefeater or Plymouth)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml fresh lime juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Lime wheel or twist for garnish</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Hawthorne strainer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger or measuring tool</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Chilled coupe or martini glass</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Fill your coupe or martini glass with ice and water to chill while you prepare the cocktail. A properly chilled glass will keep your Gimlet cold longer and enhance the drinking experience. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add plenty of ice to your cocktail shaker - about ¾ full. The ice quantity matters as it affects dilution and temperature. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Measure and pour 60ml of gin into the shaker. Choose a quality London dry gin for authentic botanical notes that complement the lime perfectly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Add 30ml of freshly squeezed lime juice - never use bottled lime juice as the bright, vibrant flavor is essential to a proper Gimlet. Strain out any pulp or seeds. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Pour in 15ml of simple syrup. This 2:1:0.5 ratio creates the classic Gimlet balance, but you can adjust slightly to taste. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Secure the top of your shaker and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. This duration is crucial - it properly chills the cocktail to around -5°C while creating just enough dilution to smooth out the alcohol's edge. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Empty the ice water from your glass and immediately strain the cocktail into it. A smooth, continuous pour will help maintain the drink's clarity. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Garnish with a lime wheel balanced on the rim or a lime twist expressed over the surface to release essential oils. The aromatic oils enhance the first sip experience dramatically. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Serve immediately while the Gimlet is perfectly chilled. The cocktail should appear crystal clear with a slight pale green hue - a sign of proper preparation. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 6 g
🍭 Sugar: 5 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 1 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the difference between a Gimlet made with fresh lime juice versus lime cordial?

Traditionally, Gimlets were made with Rose's Lime Cordial, creating a sweeter, less tart profile. Modern versions using fresh lime juice and simple syrup offer brighter, more vibrant flavours with better balance. Fresh lime provides authentic citrus notes and allows you to adjust sweetness to taste.

Can I substitute the gin in a Gimlet with another spirit?

Yes, you can create variations like a Vodka Gimlet (using vodka) or a Daiquiri (using rum instead of gin). Each substitution creates a different flavour profile, as gin's botanical notes complement lime differently than vodka's neutrality or rum's sweetness. The 2:1:0.5 ratio remains effective.

Why is proper shaking technique important when making a gin-based citrus cocktail?

Proper shaking (12-15 seconds) achieves optimal temperature (-5°C), perfect dilution to soften the alcohol's edge, and proper aeration for a silky texture. For citrus cocktails like Gimlets, vigorous shaking helps integrate the ingredients, creating a balanced mouthfeel while maintaining the bright, refreshing character.

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