Vodka Gimlet is a twist on a classic Gin Gimlet recipe. As vodka is a spirit of neutral taste, it allows the citrus flavor in this drink to pop up. The addition of simple syrup boosts the cocktail’s sweetness and balances the lime tartness.
This cocktail was created by chance. In the 18th century, members of the British Royal Navy drank lime juice (not fresh, but lime cordial) to prevent scurvy (a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency). However, they found it more enjoyable when combined with vodka.
Nowadays, this cocktail is leveled up with fresh lime juice and simple syrup. With this Vodka Gimlet cocktail recipe, you can make a refreshing, tangy mixed drink in no time.
What You Need for this Vodka Gimlet
Here’s the list of ingredients you need for Vodka Gimlet cocktails:
- 1 ½ oz of vodka (use ice-cold vodka for extra freshness)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- Ice
- Lime wedge or fresh lime zest for garnish
Prep time: 5 minutes
If you use lime cordial instead of fresh lime juice and sugar, use it in a 1:2 ratio to vodka.
How to Make Vodka Gimlet
Grab your shaker and follow these simple steps:
- Add crushed ice to a cocktail shaker.
- Pour in vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup (or lime cordial instead of these two).
- Shake vigorously for about half a minute.
- Strain it in a chilled cocktail glass or a martini glass.
- Add lime wheel or wedge as a garnish.
- Your cocktail is ready to serve.
Substitutions
If you prefer clean flavors in your Gimlet, you’ll stick to a fresh lime juice and sugar combo. But if you want to speed up cocktail prep and have a bottle of lime cordial sitting on a shelf, there’s no reason not to use it in the Vodka Gimlet cocktail.
You’re free to use store-bought simple syrup in this delicious drink or make it from scratch. But you can also use maple syrup or honey if you have it. These will add a hint of floral aroma to your Gimlet.
Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving)
The sugar content of Vodka Gimlet (simple syrup or lime cordial) adds up to its calorie count, so you might want to drink it in moderation.
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Potassium: 35mg
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of Vodka Gimlet comes from 80-proof vodka. Since it’s diluted with lime juice, the ABV of this cocktail drops to 25% (50 proof), which is more or less the same as Classic Gimlet with gin.
Vodka Gimlet Variations
If you want to take a spin on this classic cocktail, you can add some herbal flavor by muddling mint or basil leaves with a simple syrup. You can also add fresh leaves to the shaker (or ask a bartender to do so), allowing herbal aromas to come to the forefront.
You can also infuse different fruits, flowers, or even vegetables (cucumber, for example) in a simple syrup to create a variation of flavors in Vodka Gimlets.
Food Pairing Idea
Vodka Gimlets pair up perfectly with creamy dishes with rich sauces, like pasta. The citrus notes will enhance the taste of creamy sauces in your Carbonara or Fettuccine Alfredo.
If you add herbs or cucumber to your Vodka Gimlet, pair this drink with foods of the same flavor profile and loaded with vegetables.
Wrapping Up
This Vodka Gimlet recipe features simple ingredients and is a breeze to make at home. It’s among classic cocktails whose prep won’t take you more than five minutes. Pour it into a martini glass and enjoy every sip.
