The Gimlet: A Bright Classic Born at Sea

Bright, crisp, and perfectly balanced, the Gimlet is a cocktail with deep roots and enduring appeal. Originally favored by British sailors to help ward off scurvy, this simple blend of gin, lime, and sweetness quickly sailed into cocktail history as a refined favorite. In this post, you’ll learn how to craft the perfect Gimlet at home, whether you love it bracingly tart or with a touch of mellow sweetness. From selecting the right gin to mastering the ideal lime-to-syrup ratio, we’ll guide you through every step so you can enjoy a drink that's as refreshing as an ocean breeze—and just as timeless.

4/29/20251 min read

Ingredients (1 serving):

2 oz (60 ml) gin
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice (about half a lime)
¾ oz (22 ml) simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar and water)
Ice

(Optional: Some traditional recipes use Rose’s Lime Cordial instead of fresh lime juice and simple syrup for a sweeter, old-school flavor.)

Garnish:

Lime wheel or lime twist

Equipment Needed:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Fine strainer (optional, for a smoother finish)
Coupe glass or small martini glass

Instructions:

Chill your glass:
- Place a coupe or martini glass in the freezer or fill it with ice water to chill.
Mix the cocktail:
- In a cocktail shaker, add:
  - 2 oz gin
  - ¾ oz fresh lime juice
  - ¾ oz simple syrup
- Fill the shaker with ice.
Shake it up:
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain and serve:
- Discard the ice from your serving glass.
- Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass. Use a fine mesh strainer if you prefer a super-smooth drink.
Garnish:
- Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim or a lime twist floated gently on top.

Tips for the Perfect Gimlet:

Use freshly squeezed lime juice—it makes all the difference!
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a tarter cocktail, use a bit less simple syrup.
Try a navy-strength gin if you want a bolder, more traditional punch.
For an ultra-classic vibe, you can replace fresh lime and syrup with Rose’s Lime Cordial for a sweeter, softer taste.