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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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 Cocktail Recipe
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
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.
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).
