Whether you’re a cocktail fiend or just getting into the game, the gimlet is a great drink to sip on, come any season. It’s simple and refreshing, and who doesn’t love gin? While the original gimlet is a treat for our taste buds, today, we’re mixing it up with 7 different variations. Sweet, sour, spicy, you take your pick. 

The Gimlet 

Recipe by Tipsy Bartender

The classic gin gimlet recipe is one of the easiest cocktails to master. Its original form consists of equal parts gin and lime cordial—traditionally, Rose’s lime cordial. 

Ingredients - 

• 2 ½ oz. gin ( try Barr Hill Gin - Spirit of the year, 2021 USA Spirits Ratings )
• ½ oz. lime juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• Lime wheel

Add ice to a mixing glass and pour over gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake well. Strain mix into glass and garnish with a lime wheel. 

Pink Peppercorn Botanical Gimlet

Recipe by Liquor.com

This variation builds on the classic formula with a touch of spice coming from vibrant pink peppercorns. 

Ingredients - 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons whole pink peppercorns
• 2 oz. gin (try the Botanist Islay Dry gin - Best in Show by Country and Best Spirit by Packaging, 2021 USA Spirits Ratings)
• 2 oz. Square One Botanical
• 1 oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 oz. agave nectar
• Garnish: lime wheel
• Garnish: peppercorns

In a cocktail shaker, lightly muddle the pink peppercorns until crushed. Add the botanical spirit, lime juice, and agave nectar to the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Double-strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and a few peppercorns.

Vodka Gimlet

Recipe by Martha Stewart

While the gimlet is originally made with gin, this vodka-based variation is just as refreshing and delicious as the original. 

Ingredients - 

• 1 ½ oz. vodka (try Hangar 1 Buddha's Hand Citron - Gold medal at USA Spirits Ratings)
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
• Lime twist
• Ice 

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add vodka, lime juice, and sugar. Shake until well chilled, about 30 seconds. Strain the mixture into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist and serve.

Cucumber Gin Gimlet

Recipe by Tasting Table

In this version, the addition of muddled cucumber allows the drink to maintain its integrity while adding an even more refreshing layer. 

Ingredients - 

• 3 slices cucumber, chopped, plus more for garnish
• ½ oz. simple syrup
• 2 oz. dry gin (try Hapusa Himalayan Dry Gin - Gold medal winner at 2021 USA Spirits Ratings)
• ¾ oz. fresh lime juice

In a shaker, muddle the cucumber and simple syrup. Add the gin and lime juice, then fill with ice and shake vigorously. Fine-strain the liquid into a chilled coupe or martini glass, garnish with a sliver of cucumber and serve.

French Gimlet

Recipe by A Couple Cooks

A French gimlet is a sophisticated take on the classic, with a touch of elderflower.  Three ingredients: St. Germain (a liqueur made from elderflowers), lime, and gin combine to make a refreshing and chic cocktail.

Ingredients - 

• 2 oz. gin (try Monsieur Gin, a Gold medal winner at 2021 USA Spirits Ratings)
• 1 ½ oz. St Germain
• ½ oz. lime juice
• Lime wedge

Add gin, lime juice, and St Germain to a cocktail shaker. Fill with a handful of ice and shake until cold.
Strain into glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.

Basil Gimlet

Recipe by Cookie and Kate

For those looking to add a more earthy, botanical touch to their regular gimlet, this basil-based pour is a must-try.

Ingredients - 

• 8 medium basil leaves
• 1 ½ oz. gin (try the Tom Cat Gin, a gold medal winner at USA Spirits Ratings)
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 to 2 teaspoons agave nectar or simple syrup, to taste

In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, gently muddle the basil leaves. Add lime juice, agave nectar, and gin. Fill with ice, securely fasten the lid, and shake well. Strain into a martini glass, garnish with basil leaves and enjoy.

Rosemary Gimlet

Recipe by David Lebovitz

The rosemary adds a lovely resiny flavor to this cocktail and pairs nicely with the tart lime and juniper-rich gin.

Ingredients - 

• 2 oz. gin (try the Monkey in a Bottle - secured a gold medal at 2021 USA Spirits Ratings)
• ¾  oz. fresh lime juice
• ¾  oz. rosemary syrup**
• Rosemary leaves or lime slice for garnish

Measure the gin, lime juice, and rosemary syrup into a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker halfway with ice, cover, and shake the gimlet mixture for about twenty seconds, until very cold. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a slice of fresh lime and enjoy!

**Rosemary syrup - 

• 1/2 cup (125ml) water
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 2 tablespoons (4g) coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves

Make the rosemary syrup by heating the water, sugar, and chopped rosemary leaves in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. Once cool, strain the rosemary syrup into a jar, and refrigerate until ready to use.