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If you’re looking for a classic cocktail that’s refreshing and smooth, this french gimlet cocktail is it!
Simply combine a mix of fresh lime juice, gin, simple syrup, and st. germain elderflower liqueur in a cocktail shaker and enjoy a chic drink that will be the talk of the party.
Love gin cocktails? Try this gin mojito and this deliciously floral lavender cocktail, too!
Table of Contents
It’s happy hour and you’re scouring the internet for a drink to make, right? Well, this is going to be one of your new favorite cocktails!
This french gimlet recipe is such an easy and fun cocktail to make. It’s refreshing, light, slightly tart, and the perfect cocktail when you’re looking to unwind!
The combination of a dry gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice makes give this drink such an elegant and sophisticated flavor.
At first sip, you’ll understand why this is one of my favorite cocktails. All you need is a cocktail shaker, a few ingredients, and a cute coupe glass. Grab a chilled cocktail glass and stick your pinky out – it’s about to get bougie!
For another take on a gimlet, try this vodka gimlet too!
What is a French Gimlet?
A French Gimlet is a cocktail that came about in the 1920s. It was made famous by Harry Craddock who featured the recipe in the Savoy Cocktail book in 1930. The french gimlet is typically 1 part lime juice, 1 part elderflower liqueur, 2 parts gin.
How to make a French Gimlet
This is different than a traditional gin gimlet in that it replaces simple syrup with elderflower liqueur. For this french gimlet, you’ll need:
- 2 oz Gin
- 1.5 oz St. Germain
- 1 oz Lime Juice
To make a french gimlet:
- pour gin, st germain, and lime juice into an ice filled cocktail shaker.
- Shake for 10-15 seconds and strain into a cocktail glass.
Variations
- Vodka Gimlet – this version of a gimlet has equal parts vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice. It’s tastes very similar to my lemon drop shots – but in cocktail form.
- Raspberry Gimlet – add a fruity spin on your gimlet and smash up a few raspberries into your cocktail shaker. Then add gin, simple syrup, and lemon juice for a summery cocktail that’s SO bright and sweet!
- Gin Gimlet – swap elderflower liqueur for simple syrup to make a gin gimlet.
Tips
- Use a high quality mid-shelf gin for this recipe. Pro tip: dry gins work best with this recipe to add herbal/spice notes that pairs so well with the bottle of st. germain.
- Serve in a chilled rocks glass or martini glass to keep this drink cool until the very last sip!
- Top your glass with a lime twist just before serving for a super elegant looking drink!
- For a bit of sweetness, add a 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
Next time you want to impress someone, make this elderflower gimlet. I promise, they’ll love it and ask for another.
Recipe FAQs
A gimlet is made with gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
The drink is named after the gimlet – a tool that pierces holes in wood. The tart flavor of the gimlet cocktail is how the drink got its name.
More Drink Recipes!
- Espresso Martini
- Bahama Mama
- AMF Drink
- White Gummy Bear Shot
- Bourbon Smash
- Green Tea Shot
- Miami Vice Drink
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If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating on the recipe card and comment below! You can also tag @BritneyBreaksBread on Instagram and hashtag #britneybreaksbread so I can celebrate your beautiful creations!
French Gimlet
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1.5 oz Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 oz Lime Juice
Instructions
- Add ice, gin, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Pour into a cocktail glass and serve.
Notes
- Use a high quality mid-shelf gin for this recipe. Pro tip: dry gins work best with this recipe to add herbal/spice notes that pairs so well with the bottle of st. germain.
- Serve in a chilled rocks glass or martini glass to keep this drink cool until the very last sip!
- Top your glass with a lime twist just before serving for a super elegant looking drink!
- For a bit of sweetness, add a 1/2 ounce of simple syrup.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
