Whiskey and vodka may hog all the attention (we're looking at you, old-fashioned and cosmopolitan), but there's something special about gin's junipery flare. Don't worry gin lovers, we see you. And we've got a classic gin cocktail for you to fall in love with. Elevate your gin and tonic tastes with this gin gimlet.
How to Make a Gin Gimlet
Like a Jack and Coke, gin gimlets are one of the top essential gin drinks. Supposedly created to help naval officers down their medicine, this decidedly tart cocktail has an old-school quality that'll leave you wanting more.
Ingredients
- 2½ ounces gin
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime slice for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass or coupe.
- In a cocktail shaker, add ice, gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake to chill.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lime slice.
While the gimlet's original recipe relies on gin's botanical flavors, it's not married to the spirit. Go for something more powerful by swapping gin for vodka.
5 Variations and Substitutions to Try
The gin gimlet is a simple cocktail with just three ingredients, but you can still switch things up. Swap flavors and proportions to customize this Jazz Age drink to your liking.
- Use lime cordial instead of lime juice for a tarter flavor with a little extra sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of gin like London dry, genever, Plymouth, Old Tom, or homemade fruit-infused gin to find the right profile for you.
- Include a splash of lemon juice for an extra sour touch.
- Increase the amount of simple syrup if you want a sweeter taste.
- Add an extra splash of lime juice for a sharper flavor.
Simple Garnishes to Take Things Up a Notch
A typical gin gimlet uses a lime slice for garnish, but don't feel limited to just that. You can go as big or as subdued with your garnishes as you'd like, and we've got all kinds of ideas for you to try.
- Keep the lime garnish, but use a wheel or wedge instead of a slice.
- Peel the lime, using a straight strip, twist it, or use a coin shape for a garnish.
- Use a rosemary or thyme sprig for a slight herbaceous scent without changing the cocktail.
- Incorporate a dehydrated lime wheel for a new look. You can also use a dehydrated orange or lemon, as these won't alter the drink's flavor.
We Prefer Gin Gimlets in This Gin Joint
Sometimes simple is better, and what's better than a three-ingredient cocktail like the gin gimlet? There's no cooler way to expand your palette beyond the typical whiskey or amaretto sours than with this perfectly punchy drink. Now that you know the secret recipe, we bet you could build one blindfolded.
