When it comes to summer sipping, few cocktails are as refreshing and revitalizing as a well-crafted gimlet. The classic combination of gin, lime juice, and simple syrup may be timeless, but there’s no reason why you can’t shake things up with some creative twists. From the sweetness of fresh berries to the spiciness of jalapeño peppers, we’ve rounded up 20 refreshing gimlet recipes that are sure to quench your thirst and satisfy your sense of adventure.
Whether you’re a gin lover or prefer vodka, these unique flavor combinations will take you on a journey around the world without ever leaving home. From classic cocktails with fresh twists to innovative uses of unexpected ingredients, we’ve got something for every palate. So go ahead, get creative, and let the refreshing power of the gimlet transport you to a state of pure bliss.
Classic Gin Gimlet with Fresh Lime Juice
A timeless cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion, the Classic Gin Gimlet is a refreshing combination of gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. This recipe uses fresh lime juice for an added layer of citrus flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail, not a cooked dish!)
Vodka Gimlet with Cucumber and Mint
A refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, this Vodka Gimlet combines the crispness of cucumber and mint for a perfect summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add the cucumber slices and mint leaves to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Raspberry Rose Gimlet with Gin
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic gin gimlet, featuring the sweetness of raspberries and the elegance of rose.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz raspberry puree
– 1/4 oz rose-flavored liqueur (such as Rothman & Winter)
– Splash of soda water
– Fresh raspberries and edible flowers for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, raspberry puree, and rose-flavored liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with fresh raspberries and edible flowers.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Spicy Jalapeño Lime Gimlet
This refreshing cocktail combines the spicy kick of jalapeños with the brightness of lime and the classic flavor of a gimlet. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a little excitement in your drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz jalapeño simple syrup (see below)
– Slice of lime, for garnish
– Ice
Jalapeño Simple Syrup:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 2-3 sliced jalapeños
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until sugar dissolves. Add sliced jalapeños and let steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain syrup before using.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and jalapeño simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime.
Cooking Time: None
Elderflower Gin Gimlet with St. Germain
This elegant cocktail combines the floral notes of elderflower liqueur, the crispness of gin, and the subtle sweetness of lime, making it perfect for a warm evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz (60 ml) gin
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of soda water
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, St. Germain, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Top with a splash of soda water.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Blackberry Basil Gimlet
Combine the sweetness of blackberries with the brightness of basil and the tanginess of lime, and you’ll have a unique cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup blackberry puree
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add blackberry puree and basil leaves to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh basil, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Grapefruit Rosemary Gimlet
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, combining the tartness of grapefruit with the earthy flavor of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Slice of grapefruit, for garnish
– Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add rosemary-infused simple syrup and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Cooking Time: None required!
Note: To make rosemary-infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and let cool before using.
Honey Lavender Gimlet
A refreshing twist on the classic gimlet cocktail, this Honey Lavender Gimlet combines the sweetness of honey with the subtle floral notes of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz lavender syrup (see below for recipe)
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Lavender Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tsp dried lavender buds
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add lavender buds. Let steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, honey syrup, and lavender syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Pineapple Coconut Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing Pineapple Coconut Gimlet recipe, perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a taste of the islands.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz fresh pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and toasted coconut flakes.
Cooking Time: None
Blood Orange Cardamom Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this unique twist on the classic gimlet, featuring blood orange juice and warm cardamom notes.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1/4 ounce simple syrup
– 3 dashes cardamom bitters
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Fresh cardamom pods, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, blood orange juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Add 3 dashes of cardamom bitters.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and, if desired, a few fresh cardamom pods.
Cooking Time: None (this is a mixed drink, not a cooked dish)
Lemongrass Ginger Gimlet
This recipe combines the spicy warmth of ginger with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemongrass to create a unique and invigorating twist on the classic gimlet.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (infused with 1-inch piece of lemongrass)
– 1/4 oz ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of fresh lemongrass, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and ginger liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh lemongrass.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Blueberry Thyme Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic gimlet, combining sweet blueberries and herbaceous thyme.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the blueberries with a muddler or spoon to release their juice and pulp.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and thyme leaves to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None required!
Passionfruit Vanilla Gimlet
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of passionfruit with the creaminess of vanilla, perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a tropical escape.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz passionfruit puree
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 1/4 oz vanilla extract
– Club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, passionfruit puree, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add a dash of vanilla extract.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
6. Top with club soda.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Pear and Sage Gimlet
This refreshing cocktail combines the sweetness of pears with the earthy flavor of sage, perfect for a warm evening or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz pear puree
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz green Chartreuse
– 1/4 oz sage syrup (see below for recipe)
– Slice of pear, for garnish
– Sage leaves, for garnish
Sage Syrup Recipe:
– 1 cup water
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Add sage leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain syrup and let cool.
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, pear puree, lime juice, simple syrup, green Chartreuse, and sage syrup.
3. Shake until chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
5. Garnish with a slice of pear and a sprig of sage.
Cooking Time: None
Strawberry Balsamic Gimlet
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing take on the classic gimlet, featuring sweet strawberry puree and tangy balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz strawberry puree (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 oz balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the gin, lime juice, strawberry puree, and balsamic vinegar to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with simple syrup and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Peach Mint Gimlet with Bourbon
A refreshing twist on the classic gimlet cocktail, this recipe combines sweet peaches, cooling mint, and a hint of bourbon for a perfect summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz peach puree or peach schnapps
– 1/4 oz peppermint extract or 1/2 sprig of fresh mint leaves
– Club soda
– Lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, peach puree or schnapps, and peppermint extract (or fresh mint).
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel and sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and serve!
Cherry Lime Gimlet with Maraschino Liqueur
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in this refreshing Cherry Lime Gimlet cocktail, elevated by the subtle cherry notes of Maraschino liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Gin
– 1 oz Fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 1/2 oz Maraschino liqueur
– 1/4 oz Cherry liqueur (such as Cherry Heering)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, Maraschino liqueur, and cherry liqueur to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Kiwi Lime Gimlet with Fresh Herbs
This refreshing twist on the classic gimlet combines the sweetness of kiwi with the brightness of lime, all tied together with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion where a light and crisp cocktail is in order.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup kiwi puree (see note)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a cocktail glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a shaker filled with ice, combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add kiwi puree and shake until chilled.
4. Strain into prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pomegranate Rosemary Gimlet
Experience the sweet and tangy fusion of pomegranate and rosemary in this unique twist on the classic gimlet cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz rosemary-infused simple syrup (see note)
– Slice of lime for garnish
– Fresh rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, lime juice, pomegranate juice, and simple syrup.
3. Add 1-2 dashes of rosemary-infused simple syrup (to taste).
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
6. Garnish with a slice of lime and a fresh rosemary sprig.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Smoky Mezcal Gimlet with Chipotle
This Smoky Mezcal Gimlet with Chipotle combines the smoothness of mezcal with the spicy kick of chipotle peppers in a refreshing cocktail perfect for adventurous palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz chipotle-infused agave nectar (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Chipotle pepper slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, and chipotle-infused agave nectar.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wheel and chipotle pepper slice.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Experience the classic cocktail with a twist! This article features 20 refreshing gimlet recipes that combine gin, vodka, and other spirits with unique flavors like cucumber, raspberry, jalapeño, and more. From the Classic Gin Gimlet with Fresh Lime Juice to the Smoky Mezcal Gimlet with Chipotle, each recipe adds a new dimension of flavor and fun to this timeless cocktail.
