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Vodka Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

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The vodka gimlet is simple, elegant version of a sour. It’s one of the vodka drink you will truly enjoy if you’re a vodka lover, and it also benefits from a high quality vodka. 

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vodka gimlet

What is Vodka Gimlet?

The vodka gimlet is essentially a gin gimlet with vodka instead. The idea of a gimlet – mixing citrus juice into spirit – is quite old, and it was initially a way to get vitamin C to sailors and soldiers. At the time the preferred spirit was gin, though a gimlet could be made with pretty much anything. 

So it was with the gimlet, as with any popular and established drink, that a vodka twist came about. In the ’70s and ’80s vodka was kind, and the Cosmopolitan is a testament to that. Vodka was wildly experimented with, and in this case it replaced gin in the gimlet. 

vodka gimlet 2

Vodka Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

Ioana Ciuraru
A simpler way to enjoy a gimlet, this time with vodka.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz vodka
  • 0.75 oz lime juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup

Instructions
 

  • In a shaker combine vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, ice. Shake very well.
  • Strain into chilled coupe glass.

Notes

This is a very simple cocktail, so if you want extra flavor consider using a flavored vodka.

When is this drink best ?

I find the vodka gimlet to be a great winter cocktail, since I always associate the crisp, simple taste of vodka with the cold of winter. This cocktail is quite elegant, and when served in a chilled glass is looks absolutely impressive. 

I could see this served at a restaurant, or at a classy bar, or even at weddings during reception. 

My thoughts on Vodka Gimlet

I found vodka gimlet to be okay, but I’m not a vodka fan. The mildness in vodka (in terms of flavor) left me wanting a bit more, but the lime and simple syrup helped bring some life into this.

If you’re use to drinking your vodka neat, you will definitely love this drink as it’s mostly plain vodka with a little bit of flavor. 

vodka gimlet making

If you like Vodka Gimlet, you might also like…

Gin Gimlet – the gin version of a gimlet

Caipiroska – a vodka version of a caipirinha

Vodka Collins – a simple vodka highball

Vodka Tonic – a simple mix of vodka and tonic

Kamikaze – vodka, lime juice, and triple sec

Cosmopolitan – a cranberry-lime vodka cocktail

Notes, substitutes, and tips

The original recipe calls for plain vodka, but I think this would benefit from a flavored vodka more (such as a citrus vodka). 


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