Gimlet Cocktail

The history of the Gimlet cocktail

The 19th century was a tricky time to be in the navy, fraught with the threat of scurvy, a painful and often deadly disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Citrus juice turned out to be the solution, and Navy men quickly embraced it—often mixing it with something stronger for a little extra kick.

The story goes that the Gimlet is named after Surgeon Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette. He ostensibly prescribed the drink as a daily tonic to prevent disease among sailors and officers in the British Navy. Our kind of guy! 

What is gin anyway? Find out here: What is Gin Made From? The Ori(gin) Story & More

Gin, vodka, or tequila Gimlet?  

The great thing about the easy list of gimlet ingredients is that you can really adapt this drink to suit your taste. That’s why there are so many variations out there! The gin Gimlet ingredients listed here can 100% be switched out to incorporate different spirits, and the recipe is so versatile that it can be built and expanded on as well.  

Here are a few twists and turns you can take with the classic Gimlet:  

Vodka Gimlet

Vodka gimlet ingredients follow the same pattern as the gin version. You simply use high-quality vodka instead of the gin. This is an excellent option if you prefer a smoother flavor rather than the herbaceous notes imparted by gin.   

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Tequila Gimlet

The same goes for tequila gimlet ingredients – you simply use good tequila instead of gin. This is often a favorite of cocktail enthusiasts who like a smoky note in their drink.  

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Basil Gimlet

Basil gimlet ingredients stay true to the original gin-based recipe, only adding some muddled basil to the mix. This really brings the lively green notes of the juniper-based spirit to the forefront.  

Cucumber Gimlet

Cucumber gimlet ingredients are similarly simple. Just add some muddled cucumber for a more delicately flavored version of the sour sipper. 

Tips for making a perfect Gimlet

• Choose a high-quality gin: Opt for gins like Bulldog Gin for balanced botanical notes and a smooth finish. Their juniper-forward profiles work perfectly with lime juice.
• Use fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice offers a vibrant acidity and aroma that bottled lime juice just can’t match.
• Balance with simple syrup: Start with a 2:1 ratio of gin to lime juice, and then add simple syrup to taste, usually half the amount of lime juice. This ensures the cocktail is tart but not too sour and sweet without being overwhelming.
• Shake vigorously: Shaking the ingredients with ice chills and slightly diluting the drink, creating a smoother, more refreshing Gimlet.
• Strain into a chilled glass: Pouring the mixture into a chilled coupe glass keeps the cocktail at the perfect temperature and enhances its presentation.
• Garnish thoughtfully: A thin lime wheel or twist adds visual appeal and a hint of extra citrus aroma. For an herbal twist, muddle a few basil leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup before shaking.

Learn more: Types of Gin: A Complete Guide to Different Gin Varieties

What to serve with a Gimlet

The Gimlet’s bright, citrusy character makes it an excellent pairing with a variety of foods. It shines especially well alongside light, fresh dishes. Think of appetizers like smoked salmon canapés with a hint of cream cheese and dill, where the drink’s acidity cuts through the richness of the salmon. Alternatively, ceviche or shrimp cocktails can also be a great match, as the tangy lime juice in the drink enhances the flavors of these seafood dishes.

If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, consider a grilled chicken salad with a citrus vinaigrette or even a simple pasta with olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. These lighter options won’t overpower the Gimlet but will complement its clean, crisp profile. For those with a sweet tooth, a key lime tart or lemon sorbet can create a delightful end to the meal, mirroring the citrus notes of the cocktail. The key is to keep the flavors bright and zesty, making the Gimlet the perfect pairing for dishes that are equally fresh and vibrant.

Also see: 10 Gin and Pineapple Cocktails for a Tropical Vibe at

More drinks to try if you love a Gimlet

• Negroni: Another gin-based cocktail that’s all about balance, the Negroni combines gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari. It’s bitter, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying.
• Tom Collins: A gin cocktail that’s fizzy and refreshing, made with gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. It’s like the Gimlet’s bubbly cousin!
• Southside: A blend of gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and mint. This cocktail has a bit of the Gimlet’s tartness, with an added hint of minty freshness.
• French 75: A mix of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne. It’s sparkling, and bright, and brings a celebratory twist to the gin cocktail scene.

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