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Vodka Gimlet Recipe | Classic and Easy

This vodka gimlet recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic gimlet made with vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. If you’re looking for a quick and easy cocktail that everyone can enjoy, this is the one! 

Two lime wheels floating in the gimlet with limes on the table

I have made my fair share of vodka gimlets, but I never got into drinking them. That was mainly because the only ones I ever had were made with bottled lime juice. For some reason, bottled lime juice is not my friend. I’ve always found it too acidic.

In my early days as a bartender, I always stayed true to the recipes, never deviating from how they were written. The reason I did this for as long as I did was because management at the Mexican restaurant where I worked was very particular about the brand’s margaritas. And rightfully so.

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But I haven’t worked at that restaurant in over 25 years, so I’ve thrown ‘by the book’ mixology out the window. I just hope I didn’t hit anyone walking by.

What makes this gimlet recipe better than one made with bottled lime juice?

When sweet and sour is made with freshly squeezed lime juice and simple syrup, it just tastes better than the bottled version like Rose’s lime juice. Maybe it’s the lack of preservatives. In any case, once you substitute bottled lime juice with freshly squeezed lime juice and simple syrup, you will never go back. Believe me.

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Helpful tips

  • Place the glasses you are going to use in the freezer at least 10 minutes before you make the gimlet as it makes the drink stay colder longer. It’s fun to experience this drink from a chilled cocktail glass.
  • Keep your vodka in the freezer too, for the reason stated above. Don’t worry, it won’t freeze.
  • Use the best vodka you can afford because as with a martini, the gimlet is mostly vodka and you will be able to taste the difference.
  • Always use fresh lime juice as the bottled kind has preservatives and is very acidic.
  • Try a sour to sweet ration of 2:1. If that’s not sweet enough for you, add enough simple syrup to make it a 1:1 ratio.
a double old fashioned glass with the gimlet in it along with limes on the table and a lime wheel in the drink
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

How to mix a vodka gimlet

Pre step

Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Get a measuring glass and glassware.

As you measure each ingredient below, pour it into the shaker.

Step one

Get the ingredients – vodka, limes and simple syrup. (A)

Step two

Measure 6 ounces of vodka. (B)

Left - limes, vodka and simple syrup on the table. Right - vodka measured out

Step three

Juice two limes, which usually yields 2 ounces. (C)

Step four

Measure 1 ounce simple syrup. (D)

Lime and simple syrup measured out

Step five

Cut four thin lime wheels for garnish and set them aside. Take your martini glass out of the freezer – I also feature a double old fashioned glass in this post.

Put some ice in the old fashioned glass.

Place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Pour, divide, and strain the contents of the shaker between the glasses.

Add your garnish. Since the lime wheels are thin, they will mostly float, which makes the drink fun and pretty!

The martini glass filled with the lime drink with garnish and limes in the back

Vertical view of the vodka gimlet recipe.

Double old fashioned glass of the vodka gimlet in front of the martini glass

See what I mean about the pretty limes? Now the aerial view.

Overhead view of the gimlet with two thin lime wheels floating in it

I hope you enjoyed this vodka gimlet recipe!

Please feel free to leave me a comment do you prefer a vodka or gin gimlet?

And as always, may all your dishes/drinks be delish!

If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!

Two glasses filled with the vodka gimlet with whole limes in the background - square

Vodka Gimlet recipe

This vodka gimlet recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic gimlet made with vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. If you’re looking for a quick and easy cocktail that everyone can enjoy, this is the one! 
5 from 18 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cocktails
Cuisine: Cocktails
Keyword: vodka cocktail, vodka gimlet
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 Cocktails
Calories: 241kcal

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces vodka
  • 2 ounces lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 ounce simple syrup

Garnish

  • 4 lime wheels thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Fill cocktail shaker halfway with ice and get your glassware. I use a classic martini glass (with no ice) and a double old fashioned (with ice).
  • Add vodka, lime juice and simple syrup.
    6 ounces vodka, 2 ounces lime juice, 1 ounce simple syrup
  • Cap cocktail shaker and shake for 20 seconds. If you are serving one with ice, add it now. Divide and strain the liquid into glasses.
  • Float lime wheels.
    4 lime wheels
  • Sip
  • Smile
  • Enjoy
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Notes

If it isn’t sweet enough for you, add 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. But try these amounts first!
Also: You can serve this cocktail on the rocks or straight up like it is in this recipe. Your choice.
Tips for making a vodka gimlet recipe:
    • Place the glasses you are going to use in the freezer at least 10 minutes before you make the gimlet as it makes the drink stay colder longer. It’s fun to experience this drink from a chilled cocktail glass.
    • Keep your vodka in the freezer too, for the reason stated above. Don’t worry, it won’t freeze.
    • Use the best vodka you can afford because as with a martini, the gimlet is mostly vodka and you will be able to taste the difference.
    • Always use fresh lime juice as the bottled kind has preservatives and is very acidic.
    • Try a sour to sweet ration of 2:1. If that’s not sweet enough for you, add enough simple syrup to make it a 1:1 ratio.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cocktail | Calories: 241kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 33mg | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin C: 8.5mg | Iron: 0.5mg
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This vodka gimlet cocktail recipe was first published in October of 2016.

Website | + posts

From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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20 Comments

  1. That looks SO good! and now I need to go out for more limes…. mmmm! Perfect for this weekend with friends. 🙂

  2. This sounds delish. And super easy to make. The kind of drink my hubby would love. Just pinned it. Thanks

  3. I love how gimlets are easy to make, this one looks so refreshing and delicious, the one I need today, cheers!

  4. I just found this recipe, tried it and it taste Soo good! Thank you!! I was in a hurry so I didn’t chill my glasses but I did chill the vodka. Perfect!!

  5. This recipe takes me back to 1988. Seriously, my friend only drank Vodka Gimlets and she insisted that I had to try them and I loved them. I hadn’t had one in 30+ years but this recipe brings back those good memories of an old friendship!

    1. That is so awesome Marianne! Family friends drink the gimlet and I came to love them. It’s such a simple and delicious drink. I love that it brought back memories! And thanks for letting me know.

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