Confession: Years ago if you had asked me what my least favorite spirit was, I probably would have answered, “gin.” But to be fair, I really hadn’t tried very many brands of gin, nor had I really tried very many cocktails with it. When I first started drinking (now over a decade ago, ha), I think the first few times I tried anything with gin, it was a very cheap brand and in a very stiff martini. And it was not exactly the best first impression for someone just learning what they liked. So for years after that, me and gin just didn’t cross paths all that often.
Some years ago though, this changed. It first started when I really fell for Negronis. I still love this classic drink, although I tend to order or make a Negroni more often when the weather is cold. I don’t know why exactly. Probably because my bitter (but sweet drink) of choice in the summer is usually an Aperol Spritz. I digress.
Gin found its way back into my life—the gateway being my love of Negronis. And in spring, summer, fall, or winter, probably my favorite gin cocktail has to be a gimlet. Not only does it have a fun and sort of spunky name, this cocktail is completely refreshing as well as delicious. It’s very similar to a daiquiri and there are endless way you can change up the flavors slightly if you like variety. But it’s for sure one of those tasty and super easy drinks that any at-home cocktail maker should know how to whip up.
And speaking of gin, be sure to use a quality one here. Like most simple cocktails with few ingredients, the quality of the spirt you use will really show. I have been loving Meadowview Gin ever since trying it a few months ago. It’s a good one, so if you can find this in your area I recommend it. I am also a sucker for pretty branding, and bonus points as it’s distilled and bottled in Missouri (my home state).
The version I make at home is very simple—see below. You can absolutely buy simple syrup, but if you want to make your own, here’s an easy version. Simply combine equal parts water and sugar in a pot over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved (do not allow the mixture to get so hot it boils). Cool and use as needed, you can store and refrigerate as well so you can easily make a larger batch to use for months at a time. Cheers! – Emma
Classic Gimlet
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounces fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounces simple syrup
Instructions
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In a cocktail shaker combine all three ingredients with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Or you can combine all the ingredients, stir, and serve over ice.
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Add a sprig of rosemary or mint leaf for garnish and to add a little aroma if you have it, otherwise a lime wedge is a great garnish as well.
Recipe Notes
You can swap out the gin for vodka if you want a vodka gimlet instead.
15 Comments
Love how simple this recipe is! Refreshing! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Thanks for share. Look so nice.
Wow this looks super good. It’s the last day of summer break at our house so I’m thinking I deserve a drink tonight to celebrate ???? thanks for the recipe!
Do it-you made it through the summer! I’ve been seeing all my friends posting their kiddos first day of school pictures on IG all week and it’s been adorable. Lots to celebrate this time of year. 🙂
Perfect drink for the weekend!
Gin if my favourite too!!
Also this is a boozy cocktail! I would make this with just 2 oz gin 🙂
But it’s more fun with 2 1/2 oz. 🙂
I’m mostly kidding. You can for sure go lighter on the gin if you like. Since I’m not a bartender when I make drinks at home I’ll sometimes change up things slightly, like if I’m making a second cocktail I’ll go lighter on the spirit, or sometimes I’ll go a little heavier on the citrus juice (but not too much or it can mess with the balance of the drink).
I haven’t had a gimlet in forever! I am going to have to try making one this weekend – it seems perfect for warm weather.
xoKaelen | https://darlingmarcelle.com
I am not a drinker any more, but when I was, I loved Gin & Tonic! This sounds good!
The cocktail looks amazing! Gonna try this recipe out tonight. Thanks for sharing this <3
I’m a gin girl from way back – nothing beats a crisp, cold gin and tonic with a generous squeeze of lime in the hot weather IMO. However I recently discovered a variation that is equally, if not more refreshing and definitely more interesting.
Gin, grapefruit juice, tonic and just the tiniest drop of rosewater. I cheat on the grapefruit juice and use San Pellegrino grapefruit and mineral water – it keeps the grapefruit from overpowering the other ingredients.
A good negroni is sublime – I’m with you on that.
In the summer, I like to mash up a cucumber and strain it out – it adds a crisp, light flavor!
So simple yet so delightful. No need to complicate things too much!
Have to taste next time. What a beautiful photos by the way!
looks great