Vodka Gimlet recipe
A crisp, clean contemporary evolution of the Royal Navy classic substituting neutral grain for juniper.
Method: Shake and strain ·
Glass: Rocks glass ·
Time: 5 min ·
Difficulty: Beginner ·
Family: The Daiquiri Family
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 oz Vodka (Clean, high-quality unflavored vodka)
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice (Squeezed fresh, fine-strained)
- 3/4 oz Simple Syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio)
How to make a Vodka Gimlet
- Chill a coupe or Nick and Nora glass in the freezer.
- Combine vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with quality ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for 12 to 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled and diluted.
- Double-strain the liquid into the chilled glassware.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or expressed lime coin.
Garnish
a lime wheel or expressed lime coin
Pro tip
Measure carefully, keep the dilution controlled, and serve Vodka Gimlet as soon as it is cold and balanced.
History of the Vodka Gimlet
While the original gin and Rose's lime cordial gimlet dates back to late 19th-century British naval practices, the vodka substitution emerged during the mid-to-late 20th century cocktail renaissance as vodka dominated western bars and bartenders shifted toward fresh citrus juices over cordials.
Flavour profile
Boozy, Citrus, Sweet
Variations
- Cucumber Basil Vodka Gimlet (muddled fresh cucumber and basil leaves shaken in) — A bartender's variation on the original.
- Elderflower Vodka Gimlet (substituting half the simple syrup with St-Germain) — A bartender's variation on the original.
- Spicy Ginger Vodka Gimlet (adding a coin of fresh ginger and a dash of fiery bitters) — A bartender's variation on the original.
Practise making the Vodka Gimlet in the free Virtual Bar game.