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Two coupe glasses filled with a pale green Vodka Gimlet, each garnished with a lime wedge. Fresh limes, a small bottle, and flowers are arranged on a light surface in the background.

Vodka Gimlet

Elien Lewis
A classic vodka gimlet made with homemade lime cordial. This cordial uses fresh lime zest and juice for a bright, aromatic flavor, with citric acid adding that signature sharp bite. It's far better than anything store-bought.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Homemade cordial 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Cocktails
Cuisine English
Servings 1
Calories 207 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 1 oz lime cordial
  • Ice
  • Lime wheel or lime peel twist for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Fill a coupe glass with ice and set aside to chill.
  • Add vodka and lime cordial to a cocktail shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice.
  • Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty and cold.
  • Tip the ice from the coupe glass and strain the cocktail into the chilled glass.
  • Garnish with a lime wheel or a twist of lime peel.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Chill your glass: This makes such a difference. A warm glass will take the edge off the chill of your cocktail. Either fill it with ice while you prep or pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand.
Shake it hard: Don't be gentle with the shaker. A good vigorous shake for 15 seconds gets the drink properly cold and gives it a slightly silky texture from the tiny ice shards.
Make the cordial ahead if going down the homemade route: The cordial keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, so make a batch and you can have gimlets ready to go anytime. It's also great in sparkling water or club soda for a non-alcoholic option.

Homemade Lime Cordial

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3-4 Tbsp lime zest finely grated, from 4 limes
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice from the zested limes
  • 1 Tbsp citric acid powder optional but recommended
Zest all 4 limes using a microplane or fine grater, being careful to only take the green outer layer and avoid the white pith. Add the sugar in a medium bowl. Add the lime zest and rub the zest into the sugar using your fingers or the back of a spoon for about 2 minutes, until the sugar is fragrant, damp, and slightly green.
Transfer the lime sugar to a small saucepan and add the water.
Stir over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Stir in the fresh lime juice and citric acid until the citric acid is fully dissolved.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle. Press gently on the zest to extract as much liquid as possible. Use immediately or seal and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
 
 
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serveCalories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 21gSodium: 17mgPotassium: 18mgSugar: 21gCalcium: 4mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Gimlet, Lime, Vodka
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