The Gimlet is a classic cocktail with gin, lime juice and simple syrup or Rose's sweetened lime juice. An easy summer cocktail that can be enjoyed year round.

If you love this gimlet cocktail as much as I do you will be sure to try my recipes for a rhubarb sour, a lilac bee's knees cocktail or even a lilac martini. All wonderful cocktails to have in your cocktail repertuar.
What is in a gimlet?
A gimlet is one part sweetened lime juice together with four parts gin. One of the most well-known recipes calls for 1 ½ ounces Rose's lime juice with 2 ounces Gin. This is the recipe from The Bartender's Bible by Gary Regan. Gary also calls for Plymouth gin.
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What barware is needed to make this cocktail?
How do you make a gimlet?
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, add gin, simple syrup and lime juice or gin and Rose's lime juice.
- With a bar spoon, stir the ice and cocktail ingredients for several minutes.
- Place a Hawthorne strainer over the mixing glass and strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime slice and enjoy!
Gimlet without Rose's lime juice
If you do not have Rose's lime juice you can add simple syrup to freshly squeezed lime juice as a substitute.
- 2 oz Gin
- 1⁄2 oz lime juice
- 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
- Garnish with a lime
Gin gimlet with Rose's lime juice and fresh lime juice:
Another delicious recipe uses both Rose's sweetened lime juice and fresh lime juice.
- 4 oz Gin
- 1⁄2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1⁄2 oz Rose's lime juice
- lime wedge for garnish
How do you serve a gimlet?
A gimlet is served in a cocktail glass with an inverted cone shape on a stemmed base, also known as a cocktail glass or a martini glass. It is usually served straight but can be served on the rocks if desired. Don't forget the lime slice for garnish.
📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
According to the British, a good gimlet is thoroughly stirred. Will you damage the gin or the lime juice if you shake the ingredients? Probably not. Go ahead and stir your cocktail.
While both a martini and a gimlet are made with gin, the martini is made with vermouth and is garnished with either a green olive or a lemon twist. The gimlet is made with sweetened lime juice and gin. Both drinks could be served straight up or on the rocks.
Gimlet Recipe
There is more to a recipe than just the recipe card. Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
HELPFUL KITCHEN TOOLS
Ingredients
- 4 oz Gin
- 1 ⁄2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 ⁄2 oz Rose's lime juice
- lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing glass filled with ice, add gin, simple syrup and lime juice or gin and Rose's lime juice.
- With a bar spoon, stir the ice and cocktail ingredients for several minutes.
- Place a Hawthorne strainer over the mixing glass and strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime slice and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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👩🏻🍳 Sarah Mock
CEO/Owner/Founder/Culinary Blogger
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 14 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
Sarah
I am so glad you enjoyed it Jessica! I have a feeling the gimlet will be the cocktail of the summer at my house.
Jessica Formicola
Such a classic, delicious cocktail! I made one over the weekend and it was so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah
I agree! After I posted this I was thinking I will add a bit of basil for another version.
Gina Matsoukas
The perfect cocktail for the warmer weather!