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Home » Recipes » Food

Published: Mar 16, 2023, By: Melissa, Updated: Oct 23, 2023

Classic Gin Gimlet

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The classic gin gimlet is one of the classic cocktails that everyone should know how to make. It is a really easy-to-make gin cocktail made with, roses lime juice cordial, gin, and fresh lime for garnish. The lime cordial acts as the lime flavor and sweetener so all you have to do is mix two ingredients together and you can enjoy this really delicious cocktail.

gin and lime gimlet

Sometimes it is nice to go back and revisit some of the more traditional cocktails like this gin gimlet.

I love this gimlet recipe because it is so elegant and simple and it is perfect for just about any occasion or season. There really is nothing that you need to add to this recipe because it is so amazing as is.

From time to time, I may alter this recipe a bit and make my French gimlet if I am in the mood for a little different flavor but this classic gin gimlet is so good the way it is and I love that it only takes two ingredients to make it.

What you will need

Just two ingredients and you will be on your way to make this delicious and simple traditional gimlet.

gin gimlet ingredients
  • Gin. Your favorite brand. I really like Hendricks gin and Tanqueray gin but use whatever brand you prefer.
  • Roses lime cordial. This is called Rose's lime juice and you can find it at any liquor store. If you do not have this on hand, I will show you how to make your own at home below!
  • Fresh lime. This is for the garnish.
gin gimlet in martini glass on the table

How to make

Making this gin gimlet is as simple as the ingredients. It is one of my favorite drinks to entertain with because everyone always loves it and it takes just seconds to make.

Here is what it looks like:

  • Add the gin and Rose's lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake well until the cocktail shaker is really cold.
  • Pour through a strainer into a martini glass.
  • Garnish with lime and enjoy!

I told you this one was easy. Despite how easy this gin gimlet is to make, it is so big on flavor! It's such a favorite in our house.

classic gimlet

How to make your own Rose's Lime juice

Now, if you do not have Rose's lime juice on hand but you really want to make this classic gimlet, here is what you will need to make your own lime cordial:

  • 1 cup of Sugar
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of lime juice. You can use bottled limes or juice your own.

Just add the sugar and water to a small saucepan and bring to a simmer of medium heat. Once the sugar is fully dissolved, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.

This is your simple syrup, or the sweet part of the lime cordial.

Once the simple syrup is cool, you can add the lime juice and stir well. Now you have your own lime cordial.

Make sure to store it in the fridge.

How to serve

gimlet in rocks glass

The traditional way to serve this drink is in a martini glass without ice. You shake it in a cocktail shaker to get nice and cold and then pour it through a strainer into a martini glass.

Now, you can certainly just mix the ingredients together and then serve it over ice in a short drinking glass if you prefer. No one will be judging you on this 🙂

More Like This

If you love this gin gimlet recipe, you may also like these:

  • elderflower gimlet
    French Gimlet
  • A martini with lemon juice and lavender sprigs.
    Chartreuse and Lavender Sour
  • A trio of Aperol martinis sitting on top of a wooden board.
    Aperol And Gin Martini
  • pear martini in martini glass with a pear slice garnish
    Spiced Pear And Vodka Cosmopolitan

Faqs

Can you make a gimlet with vodka?

You can make this gin gimlet with vodka by swapping out the gin for vodka.

top view of gin gimlet
gin and lime gimlet
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Classic Gin Gimlet

A simple gin lime gimlet made with just gin and Rose's lime juice. So easy and so delicious.
Prep Time3 minutes mins
Total Time3 minutes mins
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: Melissa Oleary

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker
  • 1 martini glass

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces Gin
  • 3 ounces Rose's Lime juice
  • Lime for garnish

Instructions

  • Add about one cup of ice to a cocktail shaker.
  • Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker then add top to the shaker.
    3 ounces Gin, 3 ounces Rose's Lime juice
  • Shake well until cocktail shaker is nice and cold.
  • Pour through a strainer into a martini glass.
  • Garnish with lime (optional).
    Lime
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 55mg | Sugar: 62g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition Values are estimates only.

See full nutrition disclaimer here

Tried the Recipe? We Would Love To Hear From You In The Comments Below!

Course :cocktails, Drinks, entertaining

Reader Interactions

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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I am so excited you are here. My name is Melissa and I started this recipe website to share easy recipes that I have been cooking for years. I have written hundreds of easy recipes that are tested and perfected. Some of the recipes I learned during my years of working in restaurants, some from owning my own food company, and others from friends and traveling.

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