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WhatDrink

Cocktails

Gimlet

Gimlet is a crisp, citrus-led cocktail with a clean botanical base and a focused drinking style. Served chilled, it works best when a simple, sharp classic is the right fit.

Reviewed by How we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction
Cocktailalcoholic24.2% ABV4 ingredients

At a Glance

221 kcalCalories
24.2%ABV
10.7gSugar
14.3gCarbs
1.82Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.

These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients & Tools

Tools:Cocktail Shaker

How to Make It

  1. Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice.Shaken
  2. Shake, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or an Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice.Shaken
  3. Garnish with a lime wheel.Garnish

How to Serve

Glass
Martini Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Ice
Method
Shaken
Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

CitrusSweet

Supporting notes

TartBotanicalHerbalJuniper

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong
BodyLight – Full
SweetnessDry – Sweet
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
  • High ABV
  • Bright and citrusy

What do these dimensions mean?

Practical notes

Similar styles

Try this if you like sharp gin-lime drinks

Choose the Gimlet when you want a compact citrus cocktail with a clear gin or vodka base. It is smaller and more focused than a Collins or fizz.

Variations

Easy ways to adjust Gimlet

For a sharper version, increase the citrus slightly. For a rounder version, add a touch more sweetener or use a richer base ingredient, but avoid hiding the fresh acidity.

Skip if

Skip Gimlet if...

Skip Gimlet if tart citrus is not what you want. Sour-style drinks rely on acidity, so they can feel sharp when you are looking for richness or sweetness.

About this drink

The Gimlet is often linked to British naval lime-cordial drinking, but the naming story is not perfectly settled. A cautious history treats it as a gin-and-lime drink shaped by preserved citrus, naval habit and the sharpness suggested by its name.

When to serve

  • Seafood DinnerSuggested from its citrus notes, pairing with ceviche and seafood.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Food pairings

SeafoodCevicheSalads

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Gin2 1/2 oz

VodkaKnown variation
How much to use
Use the same volume; expect less juniper and botanical aroma.
What changes
Vodka can replace gin when you want a cleaner, less botanical drink, but it usually changes the cocktail identity.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Lime Juice1/2 oz

Lemon JuiceWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Start with the same amount, then adjust sweetness if needed.
What changes
Lemon juice can usually replace lime juice, but the drink becomes less tropical and more lemon-forward.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sugar Syrup1/2 oz

SugarWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Dissolve well before serving or muddle/shake hard; start with about 1 teaspoon sugar per 1/4 oz syrup.
What changes
Sugar can replace simple syrup if it fully dissolves, but it adds less water.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Agave SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use slightly less at first, then adjust to taste.
What changes
Agave syrup can replace simple syrup, especially in tequila or mezcal drinks, but it adds an earthy agave note.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Demerara SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use the same amount, but avoid in very delicate drinks unless you want the darker flavor.
What changes
Demerara syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, darker sugar note is welcome.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Honey SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use slightly less at first; honey syrup can dominate delicate drinks.
What changes
Honey syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, floral sweetness is acceptable.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Maple SyrupNot a neutral swap
How much to use
Use less at first and avoid in delicate citrus or clear drinks unless you want maple flavor.
What changes
Maple syrup can replace simple syrup in darker or whiskey-style drinks, but it is not a neutral swap.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

Frequently asked questions

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.