I have a couple beloved variations of a gin gimlet on this site, but realized the other day that I’d never actually posted the O.G. And since the gin gimlet is one of the great classic cocktails, I need to rectify that.
I was doing some digging into the history of the gin gimlet and stumbled across this Chilled article that I loved…as someone who loves classic films, learning that gimlet was associated with Philip Marlowe was pretty cool.
But also wasn’t surprised to find that it somewhat ties back to the British navy and scurvy prevention (like another of my favorite gin cocktails, the “Army and Navy”).
Making it is almost as easy as just pouring yourself a gin and tonic.
All you need is a shaker, some ice, and three ingredients…gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. I highly recommend whipping up a batch of simple syrup (it takes less than 5 minutes!) and keeping it in the fridge.
Fill the shaker with ice, pour in the ingredients, and shake for 15 seconds.
Strain into a (preferably chilled) glass. Any glass will do but I’m partial to the classic couple glass. They’re just so charming!
Trying to stay away from sugar?? Try the gin rickey instead!
It’s just so crisp and refreshing, the perfect combination of tart and boozy with a little sweet. And I really believe that using a good gin makes a difference here, because there are only a few ingredients so the gin really shines through (Fords is my fave!).
The gimlet is so easy to riff on as well…you can substitute different citrus (though arguably that might not be a real gimlet anymore), or try an infused simple syrup to add a bit of extra flavor. Try a cardamom or rosemary to start!
Other gin cocktails you’ll love:
- Basil Gin Gimlet Cocktail (an amazing twist on the classic)
- A Classic “Army and Navy” Gin Cocktail
- Cherry Limeade for Grown-Ups
- The Verdant Lady (Gin & Green Chartreuse Cocktail)
- A Different Take on Poinsettia Punch (Berry, Lemon, Spice, & Gin)
- Berry-Basil Gin Smash
- A French Gimlet Cocktail with Gin (substitutes elderflower liqueur for simple syrup)
A Classic Gin Gimlet Cocktail
- 2 ounces of good gin (I love a London Dry for this)
- .75 ounce of fresh-squeezed lime juice
- .75 ounce of simple syrup
- Optional garnish: lime twist or wheel
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake for at least 10 seconds (I prefer 15-20) and then strain into a chilled coupe glass. If desired, garnish with a lime twist or wheel.
Adapted slightly from Chilled Magazine
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Simple 3-Ingredient Classic Gin Gimlet Cocktail
The gin gimlet is one of the great classic cocktails, and only takes a few ingredients...easy, refreshing, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of good gin (I love a London Dry for this)
- .75 ounce of fresh-squeezed lime juice
- .75 ounce of simple syrup
- Optional garnish: lime twist or wheel
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake for at least 10 seconds (I prefer 15-20) and then strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- If desired, garnish with a lime twist or wheel.
Notes
- I recommend using a good gin (I like London Dry) since there are only a few ingredients and so the gin really shines through
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