The vodka gimlet, a twist on the recipe of the gin gimlet, is a popular drink that’s surprisingly simple to make. This cocktail is both sweet and sour, and it is a rather straightforward, classic mixed drink to order. This drink has been around for decades, and it’s considered a staple in many cocktail menus.
Our article gives you more information on the vodka gimlet, the history and taste of this drink, and how to make a vodka gimlet at home.
What Exactly Is Vodka Gimlet? An Overview
The vodka gimlet is a mix of vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Many historical recipes call for a one-to-one mixture of vodka and a shelf-stable lime juice, with the traditional brand being Rose’s Lime Juice.
The vodka gimlet is a twist on the gin gimlet cocktail, the original form of this drink that originated in the 1880s.
As vodka became more popular in the United States around the 1990s, it replaced gin in this drink. This replacement made the cocktail more palatable for people who preferred a more neutral spirit rather than the strong botanical flavor that most brands of gin contain.
The vodka gimlet has a greenish color due to the lime juice in this drink. It’s served cold, and it’s perceived as a classic cocktail with a simple, yet pleasing, flavor. Vodka gimlets find their place in hotel bars, as part of a quiet evening out, or as a smooth, tangy drink to enjoy at the end of a long day.
What Does a Vodka Gimlet Taste Like?
Vodka gimlets have a smooth, sweet and sour, almost tangy flavor, which is mostly due to the lime juice used in the drink. Lime juice and simple syrup balance each other to create the refreshingly sugary, yet tart, flavor, and vodka provides a subtle warmth and hint of booziness to the drink.
More modern variations on the vodka gimlet find it combined with refreshing flavors such as mint or even a lime cordial to make the alcoholic flavors of this drink stand out more. The overall flavor of the vodka gimlet is considered clean, simple, and classic.
What Is the Alcohol Content of a Vodka Gimlet?
The alcoholic content of a vodka gimlet is on the higher end, as this drink is primarily straight vodka mixed with lime juice and simple syrup. These flavors do lower the ABV of the vodka used, and you will find that most vodka gimlets have an ABV of around 25 percent.
Keep in mind that different proofs of vodka may result in a slightly higher or lower ABV for your vodka gimlet.
What Is the History of a Vodka Gimlet?
The vodka gimlet has a significant history as a popular cocktail, and this drink is a spin on the gin gimlet that originated around the late 1880s.
There are two main theories for how the gin gimlet originated. The first theory is that it was created by Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, a navy doctor who mixed rations of gin with lime juice for sailors as part of a treatment to ward off scurvy.
Other theories suggest this drink was named after a tool for drilling small holes, called a gimlet, due to the ‘penetrating’ effects that this boozy drink might have on the drinker.
The first printed recipe of the gin gimlet was included in Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails in 1923, and vodka became a popular substitution for gin in this recipe sometime around the 1990s.
Vodka became preferred by many people as it had a more neutral flavor when compared to the botanical flavors of gin. This shift contributed to the sweeter, smoother taste of the vodka gimlet we know today.
Previous iterations of the vodka gimlet throughout history indicate that this drink was very sweet and made with a one-to-one recipe of vodka or gin and Rose’s Lime Juice. This shelf-stable lime juice features sugar and can be quite acidic, making the vodka gimlet a popular choice for those who prefer less alcohol flavor in their cocktails.
Modern versions of the vodka gimlet replace the Rose’s Lime Juice with equal parts lime juice and simple syrup and double the amount of vodka used. These adjustments create a more alcohol-forward, subtly sweet and tart drink. This cocktail is still viewed as a very classic mixed drink, and it offers simple and clean flavors to drinkers.
How to Make a Vodka Gimlet
Vodka gimlets are fairly easy to make, and you will need three main ingredients – lime juice, simple syrup, and vodka. View the most classic recipe of this drink below:
- Gather two ounces of vodka, one ounce of lime juice, and one ounce of simple syrup
- Pour your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake to combine
- Strain your drink into a cocktail glass that has been chilled in a freezer for at least ten minutes
- Garnish with a lime twist or a lime wedge as desired
If you wish to create the traditional gin gimlet instead, simply substitute your favorite brand of gin for vodka in this recipe. You may also add unique garnishes such as mint to your vodka gimlet to create a new twist on this classic flavor.
To create the traditional version of the vodka gimlet as according to historical recipes, use a one-to-one mix of your preferred brand of vodka and Rose’s Lime Juice. This version of the recipe will create a much sweeter taste, but it is more reminiscent of the original gimlet that brought this classic drink to notoriety.
How to Serve a Vodka Gimlet
Vodka gimlets are best served cold and in a chilled cocktail glass. To create this drink, you will need a cocktail shaker, ice, a strainer, a chilled cocktail glass, and your ingredients. Once you’ve mixed and poured your drink, you can garnish it with a lime twist or slice of lime as you prefer.
The vodka gimlet is best served as a before dinner or after dinner drink due to its sweet-sour flavor, but it can complete lighter food and dishes with creamy sauces. It goes especially well with dishes like pasta with cheese and cream sauces, as the tanginess of the lime in a vodka gimlet helps to cut through rich or fatty flavors, balancing them.
When to Drink a Vodka Gimlet
Vodka gimlets are typically enjoyed before or after dinner, as part of a night out with friends trying a new cocktail bar, or as a classic drink to unwind with after a long day. They are considered a classic staple of any bar. So, instead of drinking something sweet or caffeinated, like a Brandy Alexander, you can opt for a vodka gimlet instead. You can be certain that hotel bars, date night spots, and other relaxed or classic venues will offer this drink in its traditional form or with a modern twist.
What Are Some Vodka Gimlet Variations?
The vodka gimlet is a variation of the original gin gimlet, which can be made by replacing two ounces of gin for the two ounces of vodka used in this recipe. The vodka gimlet is a refreshing and simple drink, and it does have many variations as more individuals elevate the classic flavors found in this cocktail.
Variations on the vodka gimlet include adding muddled mint or cucumber to the cocktail shaker to enhance the refreshing flavors of this drink. Alternatively, you can use lemon juice instead of lime juice, or you can add a splash of lemon-lime soda to your finished cocktail to help break up the sweet acidity of this drink. You can also try something new, like the Black Manhattan, which has a similar flavor.
Vodka Gimlets for Good Times
The vodka gimlet is a classic, historical drink that has maintained its popularity throughout the years thanks to its simple recipe and clean, sweet flavor. The vodka gimlet we know today is ever-present as a reliable, flavorful cocktail that won’t disappoint, especially if you are looking for a subtly sweet and sour drink that has a boozy aftertaste.
When creating the vodka gimlet at home, make sure you’re using quality ingredients and serving this drink in a chilled cocktail glass to take advantage of the refreshing nature of this drink.
