Gimlet

By Lidey Heuck

Published Nov. 20, 2023

Gimlet
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
10 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
4(274)
Comments
Read comments

The original gimlet was made with just two ingredients: gin and Rose’s Sweetened Lime Juice, a bottled, concentrated lime juice. Modern versions of the cocktail are most often made with fresh lime juice and simple syrup for a crisper flavor. With such a short ingredient list, the gimlet is all about striking the perfect balance between tart, sweet and boozy. The flavor of the gin comes through in this drink, so use one you like, preferably a dry one with a hint of floral or citrus. 

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Ingredients

Yield:1 drink
  • 2ounces gin
  • ¾ounce freshly squeezed lime juice 
  • ¾ounce simple syrup
  • Chilled coupe, Nick and Nora or martini glass, for serving (see Tip)
  • Lime wheel, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (1 servings)

213 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 18 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 16 grams sugars; 0 grams protein; 14 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Fill a cocktail shaker ⅔ full with ice. Add the gin, lime juice and simple syrup. Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel. Serve immediately.

Tip
  • To chill a cocktail glass, place it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes before using, or for a faster method, fill the glass with ice and set it aside at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes.

Ratings

4 out of 5
274 user ratings
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Comments

rdr

Rose’s is perfect if you want high fructose corn syrup and sodium metabisulfite as part of your drink. Squeezing a lime, fortunately, isn’t too taxing even after the longest days.

David M.

Why try to make everything better? Rose's Lime Juice is perfect and there is no prep time. Something you certainly don't want when you come home after a long day and fancy a gimlet.

Charles Carter

Zest the lime into the simple for extra flavor.

Martin S

Let’s just see doing this recipe and the standard with Rose’s are two different drinks. They each have their appeal. But I have to say, this one here worked very well.

Pablo96

A store bought alternative to Rose's if time and/or budget comes into play: Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime juice. Yes, has sodium benzoate as a preservative, but great to have on hand when you don't have time to get to the store for a fresh lime. And why dry gin? These have been given a domineering shelf position for the gin consumer (and NYTimes cooking reporting). Gin gimlets can be wonderfully prepared with the likes of Plymouth(UK) or Aviation(US) as examples.

Leah

I like this a lot but it’s a touch sweet. I’d like to taste the gin a bit more, so next time I’ll try 1/2 oz simple syrup.

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