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I’m a huge fan of classic cocktails that never go out of style. The gimlet (or gin gimlet, but really “gin” is implied) is made from three simple ingredients and has a rich history — from the British Navy to Betty Draper’s lips to God’s ears.
Why we love this recipe
There’s so much to love about a gimlet. First things first, any classic cocktail in a coupe glass makes me feel like the best version of myself. (Don’t know why. Don’t care. Just embracing it.)
And while I love a variety of clear and brown liquors, gin will always be number one in my heart.
Beyond that, my love for the gimlet is all about its simplicity.
- Three ingredients, all of which are almost harder NOT to keep around than to stock.
- Easy-to-remember proportions.
- A perfect flavor balance, which is easy to adjust to your taste. (I often go heavy on the gin and lime juice and a little lighter on the simple syrup.)
What you’ll need
Here’s a glance at the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe.
- You’ll start with a good London dry gin. In this post I’ve pictured Bombay Sapphire. I also tend to have a bottle of either Hendricks or Tanqueray on hand at all times. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Plymouth, The Botanist, and Aviation would make great choices, too. Each has a different flavor profile, but they all work nicely, as will your favorite brand.
- In my opinion, there’s no substitute for the flavor of freshly squeezed lime juice in this cocktail. That said, if you prefer, you can use Rose’s lime cordial in place of the lime juice and simple syrup.
- To sweeten the drink, you’ll use 1:1 simple syrup (one part sugar heated in one part water until in dissolves, then cooled). You can adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.
- To garnish traditionally, you can choose between a cucumber slice and a lime wheel. I particularly love the delicate proportions of a slice of mini seedless cucumber, pictured here.
How to make it
Here’s an overview of what you’ll do to make a classic gin gimlet. You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well, until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
- Strain into a coupe glass, garnish with a slice of cucumber or lime, and serve. That’s it!
Expert tips and FAQs
The gimlet dates back to the 1800s, when officers in the British Navy would drink gin and lime juice to prevent scurvy. Some say the drink is named after Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, a doctor who administered this “medicine” to shipmates. Some think it’s named for the tool called a gimlet used to bore into barrels of spirits on Navy ships. (source) Either way, it’s been kicking for a long time, and we’re very glad.
Sure thing. To make eight drinks, up to three hours before serving time, combine in a pitcher: two cups gin, one cup freshly squeezed lime juice, one cup 1:1 simple syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Give it a good stir and refrigerate. To serve, divide among glasses and garnish individually.
More favorite classic gin cocktails
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Gin Gimlet
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (60 ml) good gin
- 1 ounce (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce (30 ml) 1:1 simple syrup
- Cucumber slice or lime wheel, to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well, until very cold, and strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with cucumber or lime slice and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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