17+ East India Gimlet Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
If you're a fan of classic cocktails, you've probably heard of the famous East India Gimlet. This refreshing drink has been a favorite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts for decades, and for good reason. Made with gin, lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup, the East India Gimlet is a simple yet delicious concoction that is perfect for any occasion. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of this iconic drink and share our favorite recipe for you to try at home.
A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, the Gimlet is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. Made with gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail is a favorite among many. But why stick to the traditional recipe when you can experiment with different variations? Here are 20 different Gimlet recipes to try, each with their own unique twist.
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Basil Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Basil Leaves, Gin, Lime, Agave Nectar
This twist on the classic Gimlet adds a touch of fresh basil for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Simply muddle a few basil leaves in the bottom of your shaker before adding the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a sprig of basil.
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Cucumber, Basil & Lime Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Slices Cucumber, Vodka, Lemonade
For a refreshing summer twist on the Gimlet, try adding some cucumber slices and a few basil leaves to your shaker. The coolness of the cucumber and the herbal notes of the basil pair perfectly with the tartness of the lime and sweetness of the simple syrup.
For a dessert-inspired Gimlet, try this recipe that combines the flavors of lemon cake with the classic cocktail. Simply add a splash of lemoncello to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and enjoy the sweet and tangy flavors.
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Vodka Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Vodka, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
If you prefer your cocktails with vodka instead of gin, try this recipe for a Vodka Gimlet. Simply swap out the gin for vodka and follow the rest of the recipe as usual. You can also add a splash of cranberry juice for a touch of sweetness and a pretty pink color.
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East African Chapati
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Ghee, Warm Water
For a savory twist on the Gimlet, try using East African spices in your cocktail. Add a pinch of cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a sprig of cilantro for a flavorful and unique drink.
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East India Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Cognac, Dark Rum, Triple Sec, Pineapple Juice
This variation on the Gimlet takes inspiration from the flavors of India. Add a splash of mango juice to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a slice of mango for a tropical and exotic twist on the classic cocktail.
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East African Fish Stew
Main Ingredients: Fish, Coconut Water, Chopped Onion, Celery Stalks
This savory Gimlet variation takes inspiration from a traditional East African fish stew. Add a pinch of cumin, coriander, and ginger to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a slice of lemon and sprig of thyme for a flavorful and unique cocktail.
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Raspberry Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Gin, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Raspberries
If you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, try this Raspberry Gimlet recipe. Muddle a handful of fresh raspberries in the bottom of your shaker before adding the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a few extra raspberries for a fruity and refreshing drink.
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East Cheesy Pasta
Main Ingredients: Fusilli Pasta, Unsalted Butter, Pecorino Romano Cheese
This savory Gimlet variation takes inspiration from a classic Italian dish, adding a touch of parmesan cheese to the cocktail. Add a pinch of garlic powder and cracked black pepper to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a shaved parmesan crisp for a unique and flavorful drink.
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Far East Shrimp Kabobs
Main Ingredients: Wish Bone Italian Dressing, Honey, Soy Sauce, Ground
This savory Gimlet variation takes inspiration from a popular Asian dish, adding a touch of soy sauce and sesame oil to the cocktail. Add a splash of pineapple juice to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a grilled shrimp skewer for a unique and flavorful drink.
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Tangerine Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Vodka, Tangerine Juice, Simple Syrup, Ice
For a citrusy twist on the Gimlet, try this recipe that uses tangerine juice instead of lime. Muddle a few tangerine slices in the bottom of your shaker before adding the gin, tangerine juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a slice of tangerine for a refreshing and fruity cocktail.
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Gin Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Gin, Rose, Lime Juice, Lime
For a classic take on the Gimlet, try this recipe that uses gin as the base spirit. Simply mix gin, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice, then strain into a glass and garnish with a wedge of lime. The simplicity of this recipe allows the flavors of the gin to shine through.
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Sparkling Cucumber Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Cucumber, Cucumber Vodka, Lime Sparkling Water, Fresh
This refreshing twist on the Gimlet adds a touch of sparkling water for a fizzy and light cocktail. Simply add a splash of sparkling water to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a few cucumber ribbons for a refreshing and elegant drink.
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French Gin Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Citadelle Gin, Fresh Lime Juice, Elderflower Cordial
This sophisticated twist on the Gimlet takes inspiration from French cuisine, adding a touch of lavender syrup to the cocktail. Simply add a splash of lavender syrup to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a sprig of lavender for a floral and elegant drink.
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Strawberry Cucumber Vodka Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Water, Fresh Strawberries, Cucumber
This fruity and refreshing Gimlet variation combines the flavors of strawberries and cucumber. Muddle a few strawberries and cucumber slices in the bottom of your shaker before adding the vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a strawberry slice and cucumber ribbon for a beautiful and flavorful drink.
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The Original Donair From the East Coast of Canada
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Black Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic
This unique Gimlet variation is inspired by the flavors of the original Donair, a popular Canadian street food. Add a splash of donair sauce to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a wedge of lime and sprinkle of paprika for a savory and unexpected cocktail.
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Classically Easy Vodka Gimlet Cocktail
Main Ingredients: Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Pasta Wheels
For a quick and easy cocktail, try this recipe for a Vodka Gimlet. Simply mix vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup in a glass with ice, then garnish with a wedge of lime. This recipe is perfect for when you want a delicious and refreshing drink without the hassle of muddling and shaking.
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Coconut Chicken with East African Flavors
Main Ingredients: Oil, Onions, Large Garlic Cloves, Fresh Ginger, Ground
This savory Gimlet variation takes inspiration from East African spices and pairs perfectly with a dish like coconut chicken. Add a pinch of curry powder and garam masala to your shaker along with the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a sprig of cilantro for a flavorful and unique cocktail.
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Blueberry Cucumber Gimlet
Main Ingredients: Gin, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Cucumber, Blueberries
This fruity and refreshing Gimlet variation combines the flavors of blueberries and cucumber. Muddle a few blueberries and cucumber slices in the bottom of your shaker before adding the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake and strain into a glass and garnish with a blueberry skewer and cucumber ribbon for a beautiful and flavorful drink.
The History of the East India Gimlet
The Origin
The East India Gimlet has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. It was first created by the British Royal Navy as a way to combat scurvy, a common disease among sailors due to a lack of vitamin C. The original recipe included gin, lime juice, and sugar, which provided a much-needed source of vitamin C for the sailors. Over time, the drink gained popularity among the British elite and eventually made its way to the United States.
The Evolution
As the East India Gimlet gained popularity, different variations of the drink emerged. In the 1920s, the addition of Rose's Lime Cordial, a sweetened lime juice, became a common ingredient in the recipe. However, in the 1960s, fresh lime juice replaced the cordial, resulting in a more tart and refreshing version of the drink. Today, the East India Gimlet is often served with a garnish of lime or a twist of lime peel, making it a visually appealing and delicious drink.
The Recipe
Now that you know the history of the East India Gimlet, it's time to try it for yourself. Here is our favorite recipe for this classic cocktail:
Ingredients:
2 ounces of gin
1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce of simple syrup
Lime or lime peel for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Add ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a slice of lime or a twist of lime peel.
In Conclusion
The East India Gimlet is a classic cocktail that has stood the test of time. Its refreshing taste and rich history make it a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. So next time you're looking for a simple yet delicious drink, give the East India Gimlet a try. Cheers!
