My vodka gimlet recipe requires three simple ingredients: vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. This classic gimlet cocktail is a twist on the original gin-based recipe, but you might find yourself wanting to make this by the pitcher. My how-to guide will show you how to order and make your own in a martini glass or on the rocks.
I recently took a Martini Masterclass at NYC's own Institute of Culinary Education. I love a good cocktail, but the instructor that night said certain truths that we all had a good laugh around.
First off, in the United States, most of us are never really taught how to order properly. In fact, while the drinking age is 21, most of us seem to get our drinking education sometime between 16 and 20. That education also seems to be not so good.
Secondly, clearly, the person who actually knows how to order at the bar must be the coolest one there. Yes, that might mean that the person who is ordering at the bar like it is a Starbucks must be the coolest because it seems like they actually know what they are talking about.
And if you are like me, ordering a rum and coke probably didn't make you the coolest person there. This might explain why so many people don't venture outside of a glass of wine or bottle of beer.
Now, here is where this class really got going. If there was one drink that was the runaway favorite then this was it.
Why are drinks served in a martini glass?
It looks cool. Seriously, it's a cone-shaped glass and does not hold much in the way of liquid. A double win for the bar: you look cool and the bar isn't serving you all that much alcohol.
A standard-sized martini glass that you might be served in a restaurant or bar only holds about 4 ounces of liquid. Larger ones are sold but don't expect to be served a larger martini glass without a larger bar bill.
Let me demonstrate this really quickly. I put some blue food coloring in some water so it is easier to illustrate:
Up or On the Rocks
One of the other points of the class was to talk about how to order properly. The instructor also went through certain terms:
- If you order a drink neat, you are asking for a drink without ice. There is no mixer used and it is served at room temperature.
- If you order a drink straight, you might also be asking for a drink without ice. However, when you drink something "straight" it means there is nothing mixed in.
- If you order a drink up, you are asking for a drink without ice.
- If you order a drink on the rocks, you are asking for ice in your drink. It probably won't show up in a martini glass and will likely be served to you in a rocks glass filled with ice.
According to our instructor ordering something "Straight Up" isn't a thing. He referred to that as being Hollywood nonsense that caught on. Well, if you write an off-Broadway play called "The ImBible" then I think our instructor has done waaaay more research into the topic. And seeing this show is now on my NYC to-do list.
Gin or Vodka Gimlet
The original recipe for a gimlet was actually gin-based. In fact, most martinis were gin-based. But Prohibition in the US changed our drinking habits and cocktails. With the end of World War II, vodka came to town and cemented itself as a bar staple. Today in the United States, nearly one-third of the liquor we consume is vodka.
Since this cocktail is vodka-based, you'll get more of the tang of the lime. But you can easily substitute your favorite gin. My husband loved this recipe with vodka. When I told him the original had gin, he loved that just as much. The same exact ratio for either liquor.
So if you order this drink out and ask for a gimlet, you'll be served something gin. If you want it vodka, you'll need to say it.
A Note about ingredients
I always measure. I know a lot of people write recipes saying use 1 lime. I want to show you quickly how much variation there can be. Here are two limes bought from Trader Joe's. One is organic. One is just a plain ol' lime. If you go by the "juice of one lime" then only one of these will produce a balanced drink. The other drink will come out quite tart:
The lime on the right is probably twice the size. So here is my point to the home reader. When possible, please measure. The lime on the right will yield a very tart drink and throw off the balance of the recipe.
So while these limes were bought on the same day, in the same store, there is a reason why I measure everything anyway.
Tips for making this
So here are some tips on making this recipe:
- Use good quality ice. If you don't have access to good ice, buy some.
- Use fresh lime. Don't use the bottled stuff.
- You can also use gin in place of the vodka here.
- If you are serving this with ice, use a rocks glass
- If you are serving this "up," then use a martini glass
Watch me make a vodka gimlet (37 Seconds)
Directions
Step 1: You only need three simple ingredients for this cocktail: Vodka, a lime, and simple syrup.
Step 2: In a Boston Shaker, or other shaker, add ice.
Step 3: Add vodka, lime juice, ½ lime that has been squeezed, and simple syrup
Step 4: Cover and shake until the side of your shaker are frosty.
Step 5: Using a strainer, pour into a martini glass if serving this UP, or in a rocks glass if serving it on the rocks.
And a view from the martini glass:
I hope you enjoy this Vodka Gimlet!
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Other cocktails you might enjoy on this blog
The recipe below is an adaptation of the Vodka Gimlet covered in the Martini Masterclass. And yes, if you are in NYC taking a class at the Institute of Culinary Education should be on your to-do list.
Vodka Gimlet
Ingredients
- ice
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1 ounce lime juice Freshly squeezed, reserve ½ the squeezed lime
- 1 ounce simple syrup
Bar Equipment Needed
- Boston Shaker
- Spring Strainer
- Martini Glass if served up
- Rocks Glass if served on the rocks
Instructions
- In a shaker add ice
- Add vodka, lime juice, ½ of lime that was squeezed, and simple syrup
- Shake for at least 30 seconds until the side of the shaker are very cold and have frosted
- Use the strainer to pour into a Martini glass if served up (no ice) or into a rocks glass if you are serving it with ice.
Video
Notes
- Use good quality ice. If you don't have access to good ice, buy some.
- Use fresh lime. Don't use the bottled stuff.
- You can also use gin in place of the vodka here.
- If you are serving this with ice, use a rocks glass
- If you are serving this "up," then use a martini glass
