Ingredients
- 1 Part(s) Gin
- 1 Part(s) Lime Juice
Instructions
Prepare the Glass:
- Fill a glass about two-thirds full with ice cubes.
Shake Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker, combine equal parts gin and lime juice. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
Pour:
- Pour the shaken mixture over the ice in your prepared glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, zesty taste of the Gimlet 2.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The original Gimlet, a classic since the late 19th or early 20th century, typically paired gin with lime cordial, often Rose’s. It was a practical drink for sailors to prevent scurvy, with the cordial providing both lime and sugar. The Gimlet 2, however, strips away the cordial, opting for fresh lime juice instead. This makes it a direct descendant but a distinctly different beast, leaning into a drier, more contemporary palate.
This two-ingredient wonder sits squarely in the Sour family, though it’s a stripped-down version. Think of it as a naked Gin Sour, missing the simple syrup. It’s also a close relative of the classic Gimlet, but the absence of cordial is its defining characteristic. Where a Gimlet is balanced by sweetness, the Gimlet 2 is all about the sharp interplay between gin’s botanicals and lime’s acidity.
You’d find a Gimlet 2 in a serious cocktail bar where bartenders pride themselves on ingredient quality. It’s a go-to for a seasoned drinker who knows what they like, often served as a brisk aperitif. At home, it’s a simple, elegant pour for a hot evening or when you’re looking for something strong and clean without fuss.
What it tastes like
From the first sip, the Gimlet 2 hits with a sharp, bright burst of fresh lime, immediately followed by the juniper and botanical notes of the gin. There’s no sugar to soften the blow, so the mid-palate remains tart and clean, allowing the specific character of your chosen gin to shine through. The finish is crisp, dry, and invigorating, leaving a lingering citrus and botanical freshness on the tongue.
Assuming a standard 40% ABV gin, a Gimlet 2 made with equal parts gin and lime juice clocks in at roughly 20% ABV. This puts it significantly stronger than most beers, which typically sit around 5% ABV. It’s in line with many classic cocktails, often making it a potent choice for those looking for a drink with a solid kick without being overly boozy or complex in flavor.
The technique
Building a Gimlet 2 is straightforward: combine equal parts gin and fresh lime juice in a shaker. Fill it with ice and shake hard until the shaker is thoroughly chilled and frosty on the outside. This isn’t a gentle stir; you want maximum dilution and aeration to integrate the two ingredients. Strain the well-chilled mixture into your prepared glass over fresh ice. The goal is a bracingly cold drink that’s ready to hit the palate.
The single most important technique for this drink is proper chilling and dilution. Shaking hard and long enough ensures the drink is ice-cold and has the right amount of water added from the melting ice. If you don’t shake it enough, it will be too warm and too potent. If you over-dilute, it becomes watery. A good 15-20 second hard shake is usually the sweet spot for a standard drink.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A London Dry gin like Tanqueray or Beefeater works exceptionally well, providing a robust juniper backbone. For something more floral, try Hendrick’s. Plymouth Gin offers a softer, earthier profile. Experiment to find a gin whose botanicals you enjoy alongside sharp lime.
- Skip
- Highly flavored or barrel-aged gins can overpower the lime or create an odd flavor combination. Avoid anything too sweet or experimental that might clash with the simple, tart profile.
- Why
- Gin is half the drink. Its complex botanical profile is what gives the Gimlet 2 its character, contrasting beautifully with the lime. Without good gin, it’s just sour alcohol.
Lime Juice
- Use
- Always, always use fresh squeezed lime juice. One or two limes per drink will get you there. Key limes offer a slightly different, often more aromatic, profile if you can get them.
- Skip
- Bottled lime juice is a hard pass. It’s often dull, bitter, and lacks the bright, zesty aroma of fresh limes. It will make your drink taste flat and uninspired.
- Why
- Fresh lime juice provides the essential tartness, brightness, and aromatic oils that lift the gin and make the drink refreshing. It’s the balancing act to the gin’s strength.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Classic Gimlet
- The original, with a touch of sweetness.
- Substitute lime juice for a quality lime cordial, like Rose’s. This adds sweetness and a distinct, processed lime flavor that defines the classic.
Vodka Gimlet
- A smoother, less botanical take.
- Swap the gin for vodka. This creates a cleaner, more neutral base, allowing the lime to dominate and making for a less juniper-forward drink.
Sweetened Gimlet 2
- A balanced Gin Sour.
- Add 0.5 to 0.75 ounces of simple syrup to the shaker. This softens the tartness, making it more palatable for those who find the original too sharp, essentially turning it into a Gin Sour.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Vodka or a good quality white rum can work as a base, but the drink will lose its characteristic botanical notes. It becomes a Vodka Gimlet or a very dry Daiquiri.
Fresh lemon juice is the best substitute, but it will change the flavor profile. It becomes a Gin Sour without the sweetener. Bottled lime juice is a last resort and will significantly degrade the drink’s quality.
You can stir the ingredients with ice in a mixing glass or even a sturdy jar with a tight lid. It won’t get as much aeration or dilution as a proper shake, but it will chill the drink.
Chill your gin and lime juice in the freezer before mixing. The drink won’t be as cold or diluted, but it’s better than warm ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Gimlet 2?
A Gimlet 2 contains only two ingredients: gin and fresh lime juice.
Is a Gimlet 2 strong?
Yes, it’s a strong drink, typically around 20% ABV, comparable to many classic cocktails and significantly stronger than beer.
What kind of gin should I use for a Gimlet 2?
A London Dry gin is a classic choice, but any good quality gin whose botanical profile you enjoy will work well. Experimentation is encouraged.
Is a Gimlet 2 the same as a Gimlet?
No, a classic Gimlet uses lime cordial, which is sweetened. A Gimlet 2 uses fresh lime juice, making it much drier and more tart.
Can I make a Gimlet 2 sweeter?
Yes, you can add 0.5 to 0.75 ounces of simple syrup to the shaker to balance the tartness, effectively turning it into a Gin Sour.
What glass should I use for a Gimlet 2?
It’s typically served in a chilled coupe, martini glass, or an old fashioned glass over fresh ice.
Can I make a batch of Gimlet 2?
Yes, you can pre-mix gin and lime juice in equal parts. Store it in the fridge and shake with ice before serving.
Is the Gimlet 2 a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink?
Its crisp, tart, and refreshing nature makes it an excellent aperitif, perfect for stimulating the palate before a meal.
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