French Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
French Gimlet Nutrition Facts
Calories:~178
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~14g
Alcohol:~22%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The French Gimlet is a chic twist on the classic Gimlet cocktail, which traditionally combines gin and lime juice. The French version adds an alluring floral note with the inclusion of St Germain, an elderflower liqueur that's been captivating palates since its introduction.
- Origins: The classic Gimlet has naval roots, often mixed to help prevent scurvy among sailors.
- Popularity: The French Gimlet gained popularity as a sophisticated alternative, perfect for those who appreciate a floral complexity in their drink.
- Occasions: Ideal for elegant gatherings or a refreshing summer cocktail hour.
How French Gimlet Tastes?
The French Gimlet is a harmonious blend of botanical, floral, and citrus notes. It's slightly sweet due to the St Germain, with a refreshing tartness from the lime juice, and a robust gin foundation.
Interesting facts about French Gimlet
- St Germain is made from elderflower blossoms handpicked in the French Alps.
- The Gimlet was mentioned in Raymond Chandler's 1953 novel 'The Long Goodbye'.
- Elderflower liqueurs like St Germain are versatile and can be used in a variety of cocktails beyond the French Gimlet.
Ingredients
- Gin: 2 oz(60ml)
- St germain: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lime wedge: 1
A few good options for French Gimlet are:
- Brockmans
- Silent Pool Gin
- Hendrick's Gin
Gin
Why 2oz? It's the backbone of the cocktail providing structure and alcohol. Too little, you'd have a weak drink. Too much, and you'd overpower the delicate St Germain. No Gin, No Gimlet! It would be a floral limeade instead.
Alex Green
St Germain
Why 1.5oz? Its sweet lychee and elderflower notes balance the acidity of the lime. If you shy away from it, the drink becomes too sharp. Flood it, and you're attending a flower garden party in your mouth. Substitute it? Try elderflower cordial, but you’ll miss the boozy kick.
Emma Rose
Lime Juice
Why 0.5oz? It's the zesty zing that brings everything together. Less of it, and the cocktail can be too sweet. Squeeze in more, and it’ll pucker you up for a smooch. Skip it entirely, and you miss the tart liveliness. Lemon juice could be a sub, but you'll get a different kind of tartness; think a lemonade stand rather than a lime grove.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Wedge
Garnish with purpose. It adds an aroma before you sip and delivers a zesty visual appeal. No wedge, and the experience is just a tad less inviting. Plus, it's a handy indicator of the citrus within!
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make French Gimlet Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in 2 ounces of gin, 1.5 ounces of St Germain, and 0.5 ounces of lime juice.
- Shake vigorously until the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
Pro Tips
- Chill your cocktail glass beforehand to keep your drink colder for longer.
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- If you like a less sweet drink, adjust the St Germain to taste.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
Oysters: The French Gimlet's clean and floral notes complement the briny freshness of oysters.
Appetizers
Cheese Plate: Specifically, goat cheeses and brie align with the bright and herbal qualities of the cocktail.
Desserts
Fruit Tarts: The citrus element in the cocktail harmonizes with the sweetness of fruit-based desserts.
Sushi
A light sushi or sashimi selection pairs wonderfully with the refreshing qualities of a French Gimlet.
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What you could change in French Gimlet
- Gin: If you prefer a less botanical gin, Hendrick's or Bombay Sapphire can be a good substitute.
- St Germain: In a pinch, another elderflower liqueur or elderflower syrup can be used, though St Germain is preferred for its delicate flavor profile.
Explore all drinks starting with F here
And of course - twists🍹
Berry French Gimlet
Add a handful of muddled raspberries before shaking. You'll get a fruity burst that feels like summer in a glass, amplifying the sweetness and adding a rosy hue.
Sparkling French Gimlet
Top with champagne after pouring in the glass. It gives a fizzy lift, creating a celebratory vibe that’s perfect for toasting special moments.
Herbal French Gimlet
Muddle a sprig of fresh thyme or basil in the shaker. It'll introduce an aromatic earthiness to the floral notes, bringing you a sip closer to the Provence countryside.
In case you forgot basics how to make French Gimlet
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on French Gimlet
What type of glass is best for serving a French Gimlet?
A French Gimlet is best served in a chilled cocktail glass, such as a martini glass or coupe, to enhance its elegance and maintain its chill.
Can I make a French Gimlet in advance?
It's best to make a French Gimlet fresh due to the lime juice's propensity to lose its brightness over time. However, you can premix the gin and St Germain and chill it before your event.
How do I choose a gin for my French Gimlet?
Select a gin that complements the floral notes of St Germain. Gins with pronounced botanical notes, such as those with juniper, rose, and citrus, work well.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the French Gimlet?
Yes, you can create a mocktail version by using non-alcoholic gin and elderflower syrup to capture the essence of the French Gimlet without the alcohol.
How can I garnish a French Gimlet, aside from a lime wedge?
Consider using an edible flower, a sprig of fresh herbs like rosemary or basil, or a thin slice of cucumber to add an aromatic touch and visual flair.
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