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Classic Gin Gimlet Recipe

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If you’re looking for a refreshing classic 3-ingredient cocktail for your next happy hour you need to try this Classic Gin Gimlet Recipe! Ready in just minutes this easy lime and gin gimlet recipe only needs you to add simple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Gin gimlet in a martini glass with a bottle of gin and bunch of flowers in the background.
A gin gimlet is a classic and sophisticated cocktail perfect for enjoying with friends.

A super simple classic cocktail recipe

This Gin Gimlet recipe with Tanqueray gin is stupidly simple to make. It feels elegant, and is an excuse for you to break out your prettiest cocktail glasses.

A gin and lime gimlet is a classic cocktail recipe everyone who loves drinking gin should learn to make.

This classic cocktail won’t be for everyone. It’s mostly gin so it can be pretty potent.

Related: Vodka Gimlet

But, if you do like a short drink that still manages to be super yummy, with a refreshing flavor and a little fruitiness (lime and gin are such a perfect match), this easy gimlet recipe is for you!

Add more simple syrup if you need to to make it more drinkable for yourself. You do you!

If you keep a small home bar and want to know all the easy drinks you can make with what you have, this may just be your new favorite gin cocktail.

Ingredients

Ingredients to make a gin gimlet.
Everything you need to make a classic Tanqueray gimlet.

Here’s what you need to make an easy gimlet drink:

I used Tanqueray for this gimlet drink because I like its traditional and easy-drinking flavor but feel free to use your favorite or whatever bottle you have to hand. Use a good quality gin as this gimlet is mostly gin so you can really taste it.

As you can really taste the lime in this gin gimlet I used fresh lime juice but in a pinch Rose’s Lime Juice also works.

This is the citrus squeezer I love which makes using fresh lime in drinks a breeze.

See the printable recipe card for quantities and full recipe.

Directions

Measuring out the ingredients for a gin gimlet.

Step 1

Add the gin, lime juice and simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.

Ingredients for a gin gimlet in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Step 2

Add ice to your shaker and shake until well-chilled.

Straining a gimlet into a martini glass.

Step 3

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass (I used a martini glass) or a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.

Gimlet in a martini glass next to a bottle of gin.

Step 4

Garnish with a lime wheel and serve!

Variations

  • Cucumber – Have you tried my Cucumber Gimlet recipe yet? Simply muddle some cucumber slices in the bottom of the cocktail shaker with the gin, simple syrup and lime before adding ice and giving it a good shake.
  • Use flavored gin – use your favorite flavored gin to add an extra element to your gin gimlet. Any flavor which pairs well with lime will be delicious.
  • Add bitters – I think almost any drink tastes fancier and elevated by adding a dash of cocktail bitters.

Top Tips

  • Fill the cocktail glass with ice to chill the glass while you mix your cocktail. Remove the ice just before straining in your cold drink.
  • Don’t have a cocktail shaker? This easy recipe will work in a jar with a well-fitting lid instead. But you should totally invest in a good cocktail shaker as they help you make the best mixed drinks.
  • Add a splash of soda water for a lighter drink. It won’t be quite a classic gin gimlet, but it will help if you find gimlets a little too strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute anything for the gin?

Yes! This is a classic gimlet recipe works with most white spirits. I love a good vodka gimlet or for something that is a bit more complex a tequila gimlet.

Can I substitute anything for the lime juice?

I think fresh lime juice works best in a gimlet but if you don’t have any Rose’s Lime Juice makes an okay substitute. Lemon juice would also work well here, but instead of a gimlet if you add a splash of soda water you’ll have mixed a Tom Collins cocktail instead.

A few more easy cocktail recipes you might enjoy

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Easy and Refreshing Gin Gimlet Recipe

A classic 3-ingredient Gin Gimlet recipe for your next happy hour, ready in just moments!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Calories: 205kcal
Servings: 1

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until well-chilled.
  • Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel, and serve.

Notes

  • Fill the cocktail glass with ice to chill the glass while you mix your cocktail. Remove the ice just before straining in your cold drink.
  • Don’t have a cocktail shaker? This easy recipe will work in a jar with a well fitting lid instead. 
  • Use a little more simple syrup for a sweeter drink.
  • Add a splash of soda water for a lighter drink.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 1mg
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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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