Whiskey Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
Whiskey Gimlet Nutrition Facts
Calories:~175
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:11g
Alcohol by volume:~20%
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 Gimlet has its origins in the age of sail, where British sailors mixed gin with lime to prevent scurvy. The Whiskey Gimlet is a twist on the classic, substituting gin with whiskey, offering a richer, deeper flavor.
- Who Would Like It?
- Fans of whiskey-based cocktails.
- Those who appreciate a balance of tart and sweet.
- Cocktail enthusiasts who enjoy classic drinks with a twist.
How Whiskey Gimlet Tastes?
The Whiskey Gimlet is a harmonious blend of sour and sweet, with the robustness of whiskey shining through. It's refreshing, slightly tart, and has a smooth finish.
Interesting facts about Whiskey Gimlet
- The Gimlet was traditionally made with gin, but whiskey provides a warmer, more complex base.
- Lime juice not only adds flavor but also historically provided Vitamin C to sailors.
- The name 'gimlet' may derive from a tool used to tap barrels on ships, symbolizing the 'piercing' effect of the drink's tartness.
Ingredients
- Whiskey: 2 oz(60ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice cubes: As needed
- Lime wheel: 1 for garnish
Whiskey
Whiskey is the heart of this cocktail. At 2oz, it provides a robust flavor foundation and a little warmth that dances down your throat. Too little, and you're sipping a limeade; too much, and prepare for a boozy bulldozer. Using a quality whiskey is crucial because its complex notes are the star of the show. An alternative could be bourbon for a sweeter twist.
Emma Rose
Fresh Lime Juice
At 0.5oz, fresh lime juice adds the zesty zing and tangy freshness that characterizes a gimlet. Skip this, and it's like attending a concert without the lead singer—flat and disappointing. Bottled juice can be substituted in a pinch, but it's like comparing a photocopy to an original artwork in terms of vibrancy.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
Sweetness in the form of 0.5oz simple syrup balances the lime's tartness. It's the peacemaker—without it, the lime and whiskey might start a brawl on your taste buds. Go easy, though, or you'll drown the subtleties in a sugary swamp. Instead of simple syrup, you might use honey syrup for an earthy sweetness.
Mary Mitkina
Ice Cubes
Ice cubes are the unsung heroes that chill the performance, without them it's a warm handshake when you expected a cool high-five. They help dilute the drink slightly, mellowing out the sharp flavors. Crushed ice can also work and it'll make the drink colder faster, but melt quicker too.
Emma Rose
Lime Wheel
Last but not least, the lime wheel garnish is the final flourish—it's like a bow tie on a tuxedo. It not only adds visual appeal but also a hint of lime aroma with every sip. No lime wheel? A twist or wedge works; it's casual Friday instead of black-tie but still classy.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Whiskey Gimlet Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the whiskey, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Pro Tips
- Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Chill your glass beforehand to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- If you like your drinks less sweet, reduce the amount of simple syrup.
Perfect Pairings
Pairings for Whiskey Gimlet
The Whiskey Gimlet is quite a versatile cocktail, but here are some pairing options to enhance your drinking experience:
- Appetizers: Try it with light appetizers like shrimp cocktail or * smoked salmon canapés*. The acidity of the lime juice cuts through the richness of the seafood.
- Main Courses: The cocktail's bold whiskey base pairs well with grilled steak or barbecue pork. It can balance the smoky flavors with its bright citrus notes.
- Desserts: For a sweet end, pair the gimlet with lime sorbet or a lemon tart. The dessert's tartness will harmonize with the cocktail's lime flavor.
Enjoy your Whiskey Gimlet with these delicious pairings for a well-rounded experience!
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What you could change in Whiskey Gimlet
- Whiskey: You can use bourbon for a sweeter taste or rye for a spicier kick.
- Lime Juice: In a pinch, bottled lime juice can work, but fresh is always best.
- Simple Syrup: Honey syrup or agave nectar can be used for a different kind of sweetness.
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And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Whiskey Gimlet
Replace the whiskey with a peated Scotch to add a smoky edge. The peat’s earthiness will play off the tart lime in a mysterious, captivating dance.
Honey Whiskey Gimlet
Substitute simple syrup with honey syrup. This will introduce a more complex, rich sweetness that goes hand-in-hand with the whiskey’s own sweet undertones.
Spiced Whiskey Gimlet
Add a dash of Angostura bitters to the shaker. Bitters will contribute a layer of spice and depth, creating a more nuanced and bold cocktail with a hint of herbaceous intrigue.
In case you forgot basics how to make Whiskey Gimlet
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd 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 Whiskey Gimlet
Can I make a Whiskey Gimlet without a cocktail shaker?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients directly in the glass or use a mason jar as an alternative to a cocktail shaker. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
What type of glass is best for serving a Whiskey Gimlet?
A Whiskey Gimlet is traditionally served in a coupe glass, but it can also be presented in a rocks glass or a martini glass, depending on personal preference.
Is the Whiskey Gimlet suitable for people who are new to whiskey drinks?
Yes, the sweet and sour balance of the Whiskey Gimlet can make it an approachable option for those who are new to whiskey cocktails.
How can I adjust the Whiskey Gimlet recipe to be less sweet?
You can decrease the amount of simple syrup or increase the lime juice for a tarter taste.
What is the best way to garnish a Whiskey Gimlet?
A lime wheel or lime zest twist is a classic garnish that complements the cocktail's citrus notes.
Can I prepare a batch of Whiskey Gimlets in advance?
While fresh preparation is recommended, you can mix a larger quantity of whiskey, lime juice, and simple syrup and store it in the fridge. Just add ice and shake individual servings when ready to drink. Garnish each glass just before serving.
How can I achieve the best chill for this cocktail?
Use plenty of ice when shaking the cocktail, and make sure to serve it in a pre-chilled glass to maintain its cold temperature.
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