Vodka Gimlet
A testament to the elegant power of simplicity, a clean and crisp variation of its gin-based progenitor that transforms a classic naval cocktail into a smoother, more approachable icon.
27%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Vodka Gimlet's story is linked to its gin predecessor, believed created in the late 19th century to combat scurvy among British Royal Navy sailors. The name is attributed to Surgeon Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, who mixed lime juice with sailors' gin rations. The original used Rose's Lime Juice Cordial, immortalized in Raymond Chandler's 1953 novel "The Long Goodbye." The vodka version emerged during America's "vodka boom" of the 1970s-80s, as American palates shifted towards vodka's cleaner, more neutral flavor profile.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or martini glass thoroughly
Add vodka, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker
Fill shaker three-quarters full with high-quality ice
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until outside of shaker is frosted and painfully cold
Double-strain into chilled glass to remove ice shards or lime pulp
Garnish with a lime wheel floated on surface
Glassware
Served up in a chilled coupe glass
Garnish
Single, perfectly circular, thin lime wheel floated on surface
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Always use fresh lime juice - bottled juice will ruin the drink
Shake vigorously to achieve proper chill and dilution
Double-strain to ensure silky smooth texture
The 2.5:0.75:0.5 ratio creates perfect balance of tart and sweet
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Vodka Gimlet.
The 1:1 Gimlet
Original ratio with equal parts vodka and lime/sweetener - intensely tart.
Changes
The 2:1 Gimlet
More balanced but still lime-forward version.
Changes
Gin Gimlet
The original with more complex, botanical flavor profile.
Changes
Basil Gimlet
Muddled basil adds herbaceous, savory notes.
Changes
Cucumber Gimlet
Muddled cucumber brings cool, refreshing quality.
Changes
Elderflower Gimlet
St. Germain replaces some or all simple syrup for floral complexity.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Caipiroska
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Chilean Pisco Sour
Chile's national cocktail featuring pisco, lime juice, and simple syrup – crisp, clean, and spirit-forward without egg white or bitters.
Daiquiri
A crisp Cuban rum sour that showcases perfect balance—just rum, lime and sugar shaken icy cold.