Gimlets are one of the most underrated cocktails out there. This classic mix of gin, lime juice, and simple syrup has been around since the early 1900s, but its versatility has led to countless variations that can elevate it from a mere after-dinner drink to a refreshing summer sipper. In this article, we’ll explore 20 unique gimlet recipes that add a twist to the classic formula. From fruity and floral to spicy and smoky, these innovative concoctions are sure to tantalize your taste buds and inspire you to try something new.
Classic Gin Gimlet with Fresh Lime Juice
A timeless cocktail that balances the crispness of lime juice with the smoothness of gin. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm evenings or as a pick-me-up any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel, cut into a thin slice or a wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Vodka Gimlet with Cucumber and Mint
Elevate your cocktail game with this revitalizing Vodka Gimlet, infused with the essence of cucumber and mint. Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces vodka
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the sliced cucumber and mint leaves to the shaker.
3. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Elderflower Gimlet with St. Germain
This recipe combines the floral sweetness of elderflower liqueur with the classic flavors of a gimlet, elevated by the subtle hint of St. Germain. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion where a sophisticated cocktail is desired.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Slice of lime, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, St-Germain, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Spicy Jalapeño and Basil Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, featuring the bold flavors of jalapeño peppers and fragrant basil leaves.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1-2 slices jalapeño pepper (depending on desired level of heat)
– 4-6 fresh basil leaves
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. Muddle the jalapeño slices in a cocktail shaker to release their flavors and oils.
3. Add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a basil leaf or two.
Cooking Time: None
Honey Lavender Gimlet
This refreshing cocktail combines the floral notes of lavender with the warmth of honey, all wrapped up in a classic gin-based gimlet. Perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening or as a unique twist on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz lavender syrup (see below)
– 1 dash of sparkling water
– Fresh lavender buds for garnish
Lavender Syrup:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, honey syrup, and lavender syrup.
2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
4. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a sprig of fresh lavender.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Raspberry Rose Gimlet
Raspberry Rose Gimlet: A Sweet and Sophisticated Twist on a Classic Cocktail
This refreshing drink combines the tartness of raspberries with the elegance of rose petals, perfect for warm weather or as a romantic treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz raspberry puree
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz rose syrup (or rosewater)
– Splash of sparkling water
– Fresh raspberries and rose petals for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, raspberry puree, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add rose syrup (or rosewater) and stir gently.
6. Top with sparkling water and garnish with fresh raspberries and rose petals.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Ginger and Lemongrass Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique blend of ginger, lemongrass, and lime. The spicy warmth of the ginger and the citrusy zing of the lemongrass create a refreshing drink perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz Gin
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz Ginger Syrup (see below)
• 1/2 oz Lemongrass Simple Syrup (see below)
• Splash of Sparkling Water
• Lime Wheel, for garnish
Ginger Syrup:
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Fresh Ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
Lemongrass Simple Syrup:
• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 stalks Lemongrass, bruised
Instructions:
1. Combine gin, lime juice, ginger syrup, and lemongrass simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake until chilled and strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
3. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Blackberry Thyme Gimlet
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of blackberries with the subtle herbal notes of thyme, perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree
– 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Blackberries, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and blackberry puree.
2. Add the thyme leaves to the shaker and muddle gently with a spoon or bar muddler to release the oils and flavor.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and blackberries.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Coconut Lime Gimlet
This Coconut Lime Gimlet recipe combines the bright flavors of lime and coconut with the classic gin-based cocktail, creating a unique and refreshing twist. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a tropical getaway in a glass.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, coconut cream, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and toasted coconut flakes.
Cooking Time: None (ready to serve)
Pomegranate and Rosemary Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, combining the tartness of pomegranate juice with the earthy flavor of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce pomegranate juice
– 1/4 ounce simple syrup
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– Ice
– Lime wheel (for garnish)
– Pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the chopped rosemary leaves to the shaker and muddle gently to release the oils and flavor.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and pomegranate seeds.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold drink!
Peach and Basil Gimlet
Peachy Keen: A Refreshing Twist on the Classic Gimlet
This sweet and savory Peach and Basil Gimlet is perfect for warm weather sipping. The combination of juicy peaches, fragrant basil, and tangy lime creates a refreshing cocktail that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
• 2 ripe peaches, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz peach liqueur
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
• Splash of soda water
• Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the diced peaches and basil leaves with a spoon or muddler to release their flavors.
2. Add gin, peach liqueur, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of soda water and garnish with a sprig of basil.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Blood Orange and Cardamom Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic gimlet, featuring the sweet and tangy flavors of blood orange and the warm spices of cardamom.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz cardamom-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Slice of blood orange, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, blood orange juice, lime juice, and regular simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Drizzle cardamom-infused simple syrup over the drink in a zigzag pattern.
6. Garnish with a slice of blood orange and a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None
Blueberry and Sage Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique and refreshing Blueberry and Sage Gimlet recipe. The sweet and tangy flavors of blueberries perfectly balance the earthy notes of sage, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the blueberries with a muddler or spoon to release their juice and flavor.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and dried sage leaves to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes.
Passionfruit and Vanilla Gimlet
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of passionfruit with the creaminess of vanilla, perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz passionfruit puree
– 1/2 oz vanilla syrup (see note)
– Splash of club soda
– Lime wheel and edible flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, passionfruit puree, and vanilla syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and edible flowers, if desired.
Note: To make vanilla syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar and 1/2 vanilla bean in a saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Mezcal Smoky Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic gimlet. This Mezcal Smoky Gimlet combines the spicy, earthy flavors of mezcal with a hint of citrus and sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz Fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup
– 1/2 oz Ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 1 dash Angostura bitters
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, and ginger liqueur to the shaker.
3. Add a dash of Angostura bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Strawberry Balsamic Gimlet
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tanginess of balsamic vinegar, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a revitalizing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz strawberry puree
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz balsamic vinegar
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Fresh strawberries and mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, strawberry puree, lime juice, simple syrup, and balsamic vinegar.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Matcha and Yuzu Gimlet
This refreshing cocktail combines the bright, citrusy flavors of yuzu with the subtle grassiness of matcha green tea, all wrapped up in a silky-smooth gimlet. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a little sophistication.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz matcha liqueur
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz yuzu juice (or to taste)
– Ice
– Lime wheel and sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, matcha liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and yuzu juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of mint.
Cooking Time: None! This is a ready-to-drink cocktail recipe.
Pear and Cinnamon Gimlet
Experience the sweet and spicy combination of pear and cinnamon in this unique twist on the classic gimlet cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces gin
– 1 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 1/2 ounce pear puree (see note)
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh pear slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and pear puree.
3. Add a pinch of cinnamon and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a fresh pear slice.
Cooking Time: None
Note: To make pear puree, cook down 1 ripe pear (such as Bartlett or Anjou) in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of water until soft. Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp.
Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, featuring the unique flavors of lemongrass and kaffir lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz lemongrass-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/4 oz kaffir lime leaf-infused vodka (see note)
– Splash of soda water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add lemongrass-infused simple syrup and kaffir lime leaf-infused vodka.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
6. Top with a splash of soda water.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Avocado and Lime Gimlet
Combine the creamy richness of avocado with the bright, citrusy flavor of lime for a unique and delicious twist on the classic gimlet.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 3/4 ounce simple syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Add gin, simple syrup, and ice to the blender. Blend until well combined.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Summary
Get ready to shake up your cocktail game with these 20 refreshing gimlet recipes! From classic combinations like gin and lime to unique twists featuring ingredients like cucumber, honey, and cardamom, there’s something for every taste. Try the Spicy Jalapeño and Basil Gimlet for a spicy kick or the Raspberry Rose Gimlet for a romantic twist. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, sour, or smoky, these gimlet recipes are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your sense of adventure.
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