Gimlet
A crisp, refreshing classic combining gin, lime and a touch of sweetness. Bright and citrus-forward with botanical depth, clean acidity and a sharp, refreshing finish.
Gimlet Recipe
- Gin 60 ml
- Lime juice 25 ml
- Cane sugar syrup 15 ml
- Fresh lime 1 slice
- Ice 150 g, optional
Make it properly
- Fill a cocktail shaker generously with ice.
- Add the gin, lime juice and sugar syrup.
- Shake firmly until thoroughly chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wheel.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD GIMLET?
A good Gimlet should be crisp, bright and unmistakably gin-led. Lime provides sharp acidity, while a small amount of sugar syrup softens the citrus without turning the drink noticeably sweet.
The gin's botanical character should remain clearly present. Proper shaking provides the chilling and dilution needed to bring the strong citrus and spirit together into a smooth, refreshing cocktail.
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GIMLET: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a classic Gimlet, from choosing the right gin and balancing lime with sweetness to achieving the proper temperature and dilution.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A GIMLET
The foundation of a Gimlet is gin. A classic London Dry style works particularly well because its juniper and citrus character remains distinctive alongside the lime.
For Drinkero's version, we recommend Tanqueray London Dry Gin. Its pronounced juniper and citrus profile gives the Gimlet a crisp, structured base. Hendrick's Gin offers a softer and more floral alternative.
For consistent citrus character, Drinkero's kit pairs the gin with ReaLime Lime Juice. Its acidity provides the sharp citrus element that defines the cocktail.
A small amount of MONIN Pure Cane Sugar Syrup balances the lime without masking the gin. The goal is not a sweet drink, but enough sweetness to round out the acidity and alcohol.
HOW TO BALANCE A GIMLET
The Gimlet depends on balancing three elements: strong gin, sharp lime and restrained sweetness. Too much lime can make the drink aggressively sour, while too much syrup quickly hides its clean, refreshing character.
Our ratio of 60 ml gin, 25 ml lime juice and 15 ml sugar syrup creates a citrus-forward Gimlet with enough sweetness to soften the acidity while keeping the gin at the centre of the drink.
Taste can vary depending on the lime juice and gin used, so the sweetness can be adjusted slightly to preference.
ORIGINS OF THE GIMLET
The Gimlet is closely associated with British naval drinking traditions and the historical practice of combining spirits with preserved lime juice.
Its precise origin and name are less certain, but by the early 20th century the combination of gin and lime had developed into the cocktail recognised as the Gimlet.
Traditional versions were often made with sweetened lime cordial rather than separate lime juice and sugar. Modern recipes frequently separate the citrus and sweetness, giving greater control over the balance of the finished drink.
TECHNIQUE: SHAKE, STRAIN & SERVE COLD
Add the gin, lime juice and sugar syrup to a cocktail shaker filled generously with ice. Shake firmly until the outside of the shaker becomes thoroughly cold.
Shaking does more than chill the Gimlet. It provides the dilution needed to soften the alcohol and sharp lime while integrating the citrus, sugar and gin.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass without ice and finish with a fresh lime wheel.
HOW TO SERVE A GIMLET
Serve the Gimlet in a well-chilled coupe glass without ice. The smaller glass keeps the presentation clean and suits the cocktail's short, concentrated style.
Serve immediately after shaking and straining while the drink is at its coldest and freshest.
Finish with a fresh lime wheel for a simple garnish that reflects the defining citrus character of the cocktail.
Questions about the Gimlet
What is a Gimlet made with?
Drinkero's Gimlet is made with gin, lime juice and sugar syrup, shaken with ice and served in a chilled coupe glass.
What is the best gin for a Gimlet?
A London Dry gin works particularly well because its juniper and botanical character can stand up to the lime. Drinkero recommends Tanqueray London Dry Gin for the classic version.
Is a Gimlet made with lime juice or lime cordial?
Both styles exist. Traditional Gimlets are strongly associated with sweetened lime cordial. Drinkero's recipe uses lime juice and sugar syrup separately, allowing the acidity and sweetness to be balanced independently.
How much lime juice is in a Gimlet?
Our recipe uses 25 ml lime juice with 60 ml gin and 15 ml sugar syrup for a bright, citrus-forward balance.
Should a Gimlet be shaken or stirred?
A Gimlet made with lime juice is best shaken. Shaking thoroughly chills and dilutes the cocktail while integrating the citrus and sugar with the gin.
Can I make Gimlets for a group?
Yes. Choose whether you're making 6, 12, 24 or 48 Gimlets and Drinkero calculates the gin, lime juice, sugar syrup and other ingredients you need.