Ginger Gimlet

This ginger gimlet is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, adding a touch of warmth and spice to the mix. With the zing of fresh ginger combined with the tangy lime, this drink is refreshing and invigorating.

The gin gimlet has roots in the 18th century and has evolved to incorporate new flavors and variations. While the traditional gimlet relied on lime cordial for sweetness, this ginger-infused version utilizes homemade ginger syrup to add a subtle sweetness and a distinctive kick.

Try this grapefruit gimlet next!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this ginger gimlet cocktail recipe.

• Good London Dry Gin: Good London Dry Gin (or your favorite gin). Use a high-quality gin where the main flavor in this gin comes from juniper berries, and no artificial colors or flavors are added.
• Fresh lime juice: Squeeze the juice from fresh limes to achieve a bright and tangy flavor.
• Ginger simple syrup: Prepare a simple syrup infused with fresh ginger, which will lend a warm and spicy note to the cocktail. You can reuse the ginger to make candied ginger for garnish!
• Ice cubes

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker or a tall jar with a lid + a strainer
• Coupe glass or a rocks glass

Instructions

Begin by making ginger syrup. Combine equal parts water, granulated sugar, and sliced ginger in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

Remove from heat and let the ginger steep in the syrup for 30 minutes until it’s room temperature. Strain out the ginger. You can reuse the ginger pieces to make candied ginger, see how in my ginger simple syrup post.

Optionally, garnish the cocktail with a skewer of candied ginger or a lime wedge.

Variations

• Lemon instead of lime: If you prefer a slightly different citrus profile, swap the lime juice with fresh lemon juice. Lemon adds its own distinct tanginess while still complementing the ginger.
• Other flavors: You can use different herbs to infuse the syrup. Consider using rosemary or sage to create unique flavor profiles. Or try a thyme gimlet.
• Sugar rim: For an extra touch of sweetness, coat the rim of the glass with sugar. Run a wedge of lemon or lime along the edge of the glass, then dip it into a small plate of sugar.
• Vodka gimlets: If gin isn’t your spirit of choice, you can easily transform this cocktail into a vodka ginger gimlet by substituting the gin with your preferred vodka.

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