Gimlet
A crisp blend of gin and lime that began as a naval ration and evolved into a minimalist classic.
26%
ABV
230
Calories
Coupe
Glass
Flavor Journey
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Shake gin, lime, and syrup with ice until well chilled
Double strain into a chilled coupe or small martini glass
Garnish with a thin lime wheel
Glassware
Served up in a chilled stemmed glass
Garnish
Thin slice
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Stir instead of shake for a silkier texture if using all spirits
Adjust sweetness to taste—it's essentially a gin sour
Keep ingredients chilled for the coldest serve
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Gimlet.
Vodka Gimlet
A testament to the elegant power of simplicity, a clean and crisp variation of its gin-based progenitor that transforms a classic naval cocktail into a smoother, more approachable icon.
Basil Gimlet
A modern classic that elevates the traditional Gimlet with fresh basil—herbaceous, aromatic, and supremely refreshing with botanical complexity.
Other Variations
Cordial Gimlet
Reverts to the Rose's Lime Cordial build of the mid‑century.
Changes
Cucumber Gimlet
Muddles fresh cucumber for a cooling vegetal note.
Changes
History & Heritage
“The Gimlet likely originated with the British Royal Navy in the late 19th century when officers preserved their mandated lime ration with sweetened cordial. By the 1920s the drink appeared in both London and American cocktail books, prized for its bracing simplicity. While early versions relied on Rose's Lime Cordial, modern craft interpretations favor fresh lime juice and sugar for cleaner, brighter flavor.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Basil Gimlet
A modern classic that elevates the traditional Gimlet with fresh basil—herbaceous, aromatic, and supremely refreshing with botanical complexity.
Southside
Gin, lime, mint, and simple syrup. Chicago's answer to the mojito.
Eastside
A garden‑fresh cousin of the Southside—gin, lime, mint, and cucumber shaken bright and served up.