Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic24.2% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetener
- 2 1/2 ozGinBase
- 1/2 ozLime JuiceCitrus
- 1/2 ozSugar SyrupSweetener
- 1LimeCitrus
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Shake, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or an Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.
Swap notes
Base spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral — the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Gimlet?
- The Gimlet is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Martini Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 24.2%. A standard serving contains approximately 221 calories.
- What does a Gimlet taste like?
- Gimlet has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet, Lime, Tart. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Gimlet?
- Gimlet pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Gimlet?
- The Gimlet has an ABV of approximately 24.2%. That's approximately 1.82 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 221 calories, 10.7g sugar, 14.3g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Gimlet typically served?
- Gimlet is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Gimlet?
- If you enjoy Gimlet, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Gimlet at home?
- Yes. The Gimlet uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Martini Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Gimlet with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.