Go Back
a raspberry gimlet in a coupe glass garnished with a lime wheel
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Raspberry Gimlet

The raspberry gimlet is a gorgeous take on an absolute classic that's especially great in the spring and summer. Make it with gin or vodka.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Additional Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 17 minutes
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: American
Keyword: raspberry gimlet
Calories: 200kcal
Author: Carolyn Gratzer Cope

Ingredients

For the raspberry simple syrup

  • 10 ounces (283 grams) frozen raspberries
  • 200 grams 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 200 grams about 1 cup water

For the gimlet

  • 2 ounces (60 ml) top-shelf London dry gin or vodka
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 ounce (30 ml) raspberry simple syrup

Instructions

Make the raspberry simple syrup

  • Place raspberries, sugar, and water into a small pot.
  • Set over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring from time to time to dissolve the sugar.
  • Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Raspberries will break down, and liquid will thicken up a little bit.
  • Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, leaving solids in the strainer.
  • Cool completely before using.

Make the gimlet

  • Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
  • Pour in gin, lime juice, and raspberry simple syrup.
  • Shake well, until very cold, and strain into a coupe glass.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.

Notes

  1. Fresh or frozen raspberries are fine. I almost always use frozen since they tend to be both less expensive and picked at the peak of ripeness.
  2. Regular granulated sugar works well in this recipe — no need for anything fancy. If it's important to you that this recipe be vegan, be sure to use a sugar that's processed in a vegan-friendly fashion.
  3. I use regular filtered tap water — any water that tastes good is fine.
  4. It's important to make the raspberry simple syrup at least far enough in advance to let it cool completely before using. You can do it a lot farther in advance if you prefer. Strained syrup will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for at least two weeks.
  5. London dry gin in is the classic choice for a gimlet. 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.
  6. If you prefer vodka, that’s also a great choice. Start with a top-shelf bottle. I'm using Grey Goose, which has a lovely, toasty vibe and creamy finish and is from France. Belvedere is another great choice. I'm not really on the Tito's bandwagon, but if you are, that would be a fine option, too.
  7. There's no substitute for freshly squeezed lime juice. It brings a beautiful, fresh brightness to this drink.
  8. If you like, you can batch this cocktail for a party. To make eight drinks, up to three hours before serving time, combine in a pitcher: two cups gin or vodka, one cup freshly squeezed lime juice, one cup raspberry simple syrup, and ½ cup water. Give it a good stir, cover, and refrigerate. To serve, divide among glasses and garnish individually.

Romeo and Juliet Variation

To make a fun Shakespearian variation on this drink for a Romeo and Juliet party, shake the gin (for a Juliet) or vodka (for a Romeo) with the lime juice as instructed. Serve the raspberry simple syrup separately, in something like these (30 ml) glass vials with cork stoppers, . Guests can join Romeo in toasting, "Here's to my love!" and pour the vial into their drinks. Be sure to give it a quick stir before sipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcal