Tequila Gimlet Cocktail Drink

Tequila Gimlet

In the mood for a spirited cocktail? This Tequila Gimlet recipe is your answer! It’s a flavorful drink, brimming with fresh elements, and super easy to assemble.

Tequila Gimlet Recipe

Want a twist on your usual Margarita? You’ll love this Tequila gimlet cocktail recipe! It combines Tequila, lime cordial, lemon juice, and sugar syrup into a delicious and refreshing drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

236 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz blanco Tequila
  • 1 oz lime Cordial
  • oz fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheel, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Coupe Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Fill your cocktail glass with ice. Set it aside.
  • Pour ⅓ oz fresh lime juice into the shaker.
  • Add 1 oz lime Cordial.
  • Finally, add 2 oz blanco Tequila to the mix.
  • Fill the shaker with ice, cap it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
  • Garnish by placing a lime wheel on the rim of the glass (optional).

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: You can use any type of Tequila you’d like to make this recipe (blanco, reposado, etc.). If you don't have any Tequila, you can use gin as a substitute: you’ll end up with what actually is an original Gimlet! In that case, we recommend changing the lime juice for some fresh lemon juice. Vodka can also work as a base spirit for this drink, although the final drink may lack a bit of character compared to the tequila or gin version.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: In a pinch, bottled lime juice can work, but I always recommend fresh for the best flavor. Fresh lemon juice can also be an option.
  • Lime Cordial: If you’re out of lime cordial or couldn’t find any at the store, you can always make some yourself or ditch it altogether. In that case, use the following ingredients for your cocktail: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.75 oz sugar syrup.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila Gimlet:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila, 8 oz of lime cordial, and 3 oz of fresh lime juice.
  • Mix: Combine the Tequila, lime cordial, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Add ice and stir well. 
  • Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with lime wheels.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. However, this kind of product can be a bit difficult to find: if you can’t find any, a non-alcoholic gin can be a good alternative (in that case, we recommend you use fresh lemon juice instead of lime juice to make the cocktail). As simple as it sounds, mineral sparkling water combined with lime cordial and fresh lime juice also makes for an excellent and very refreshing drink!
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular Tequila, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic Tequila Gimlet. If going with mineral sparkling water, simply put together the cordial and lime juice in a glass, top up with the water, and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel, and enjoy!

Making it Vegan:

The Tequila Gimlet cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including tequila, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
236
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
12
g
4
%
Fiber
 
0.04
g
0
%
Sugar
 
11
g
12
%
Potassium
 
12
mg
0
%
Protein
 
0.04
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
5
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
 
1
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.03
mg
0
%

 

Tequila Gimlet Cocktail Drink

Tequila Gimlet Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Want a twist on your usual Margarita? You’ll love this Tequila gimlet cocktail recipe! It combines Tequila, lime cordial, lemon juice, and sugar syrup into a delicious and refreshing drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 236

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz blanco Tequila
  • 1 oz lime Cordial
  • oz fresh lime juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheel - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Coupe Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Fill your cocktail glass with ice. Set it aside.
  • Pour ⅓ oz fresh lime juice into the shaker.
  • Add 1 oz lime Cordial.
  • Finally, add 2 oz blanco Tequila to the mix.
  • Fill the shaker with ice, cap it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
  • Garnish by placing a lime wheel on the rim of the glass (optional).

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: You can use any type of Tequila you’d like to make this recipe (blanco, reposado, etc.). If you don't have any Tequila, you can use gin as a substitute: you’ll end up with what actually is an original Gimlet! In that case, we recommend changing the lime juice for some fresh lemon juice. Vodka can also work as a base spirit for this drink, although the final drink may lack a bit of character compared to the tequila or gin version.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: In a pinch, bottled lime juice can work, but I always recommend fresh for the best flavor. Fresh lemon juice can also be an option.
  • Lime Cordial: If you’re out of lime cordial or couldn’t find any at the store, you can always make some yourself or ditch it altogether. In that case, use the following ingredients for your cocktail: 2 oz tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.75 oz sugar syrup.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila Gimlet:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila, 8 oz of lime cordial, and 3 oz of fresh lime juice.
  • Mix: Combine the Tequila, lime cordial, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Add ice and stir well. 
  • Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with lime wheels.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. However, this kind of product can be a bit difficult to find: if you can’t find any, a non-alcoholic gin can be a good alternative (in that case, we recommend you use fresh lemon juice instead of lime juice to make the cocktail). As simple as it sounds, mineral sparkling water combined with lime cordial and fresh lime juice also makes for an excellent and very refreshing drink!
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of regular Tequila, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic Tequila Gimlet. If going with mineral sparkling water, simply put together the cordial and lime juice in a glass, top up with the water, and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wheel, and enjoy!

Making it Vegan:

The Tequila Gimlet cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including tequila, are vegan-friendly. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. Always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.

What is a Tequila Gimlet?

A Tequila Gimlet is a tequila-based cocktail made of fresh lime juice, lime cordial simple syrup, and high-quality blanco Tequila. This drink is relatively easy to make as it only requires three ingredients and basic bartending skills such as shaking and straining. It’s a variant of the classic Gimlet cocktail, which traditionally uses gin instead of Tequila.

A side shot of a Tequila Gimlet cocktail in a cocktail glass on a white coaster placed on a light green table surrounded by a bowl with limes and a shaker.

What is a Tequila Gimlet made of – The ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need for a Tequila Gimlet:

  • Tequila: The cocktail’s base spirit provides a robust and distinctive flavor.
  • Lime Cordial Juice: Adds a tart, citrusy note to balance the Tequila’s intensity. It also gives the drink a smooth and round texture.
  • Lime juice: It gives an extra kick of freshness and crispness to the drink.
  • Lime Wheel (Optional): Serves as a garnish, adding visual appeal and a hint of extra citrus aroma.

Blanco Tequila, lime cordial, lime juice and two limes laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Tequila Gimlet?

Our clear instructions will teach you how to make a Tequila Gimlet from scratch:

1
<p>Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set it aside.</p>

Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set it aside.

2
<p>Pour ⅓ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice into the shaker. The lime juice will provide an extra kick of tanginess that pairs well with the Tequila.</p>

Pour ⅓ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice into the shaker. The lime juice will provide an extra kick of tanginess that pairs well with the Tequila.

3
<p>Add 1 ounce of lime cordial to the shaker. </p>

Add 1 ounce of lime cordial to the shaker.

4
<p>Finally, add 2 ounces of Tequila to the mix. We usually go with blanco tequila, but you can use any kind of tequila you like to make this drink.</p>

Finally, add 2 ounces of Tequila to the mix. We usually go with blanco tequila, but you can use any kind of tequila you like to make this drink.

5
<p>Fill the shaker with ice cubes.</p>

Fill the shaker with ice cubes.

6
<p>Close the shaker and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds). This will mix all the ingredients and ensure the cocktail is well chilled.</p>

Close the shaker and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds). This will mix all the ingredients and ensure the cocktail is well chilled.

7
<p>Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass (this is called a “double strain”). This will remove any shards of ice and pulp from the lime juice, leaving you with a smooth and clear drink.</p>

Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass (this is called a “double strain”). This will remove any shards of ice and pulp from the lime juice, leaving you with a smooth and clear drink.

8
<p>If you want, you can now garnish the drink by placing a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.</p>

If you want, you can now garnish the drink by placing a lime wheel on the rim of the glass.

Variations

Curious to try other versions? We have some excellent favorites to consider:

  • Cucumber Gimlet: This includes cucumber, either as a flavor-infused gin or fresh slices, which imparts a cool and refreshing quality. The cucumber’s crispness adds a delightful freshness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy lime, making it especially enjoyable on hot days.
  • Basil Gimlet: This features freshly muddled basil leaves, infusing the mixture with a fragrant, herbal aroma that complements the lime’s acidity. The fresh basil not only enhances the aroma but also introduces a bright, garden-fresh element to the palate. I love how the basil elevates the freshness; it’s like a breath of summer in every sip.
  • Rosemary Gimlet: This utilizes rosemary-infused syrup, adding a woodsy, aromatic twist. The pine-like flavor of rosemary pairs uniquely with the sharpness of the lime, offering a robust taste profile that stands out boldly.
  • Elderflower Gimlet: This includes elderflower liqueur, which lends a sweet, floral undertone. The elderflower’s subtle sweetness and floral notes create a sophisticated balance with the lime, enhancing the overall flavor complexity. I’m particularly fond of the floral subtlety this adds; it feels refined and perfect for a special occasion.
  • Sage Gimlet: This calls for torn sage leaves, introducing an earthy, slightly peppery flavor. The sage brings a warm, savory quality that contrasts intriguingly with the lime’s bright zestiness, making it a unique and memorable choice for those who enjoy herbal undertones.

A side shot of a Tequila Gimlet cocktail in a cocktail glass on a white coaster placed on a light green table surrounded by a bowl with limes and a shaker.

History and Origin of the Tequila Gimlet

The Gimlet cocktail, originally composed of a blend of gin and lime cordial, is actually a creation of the British Navy. It is, like the Daïquiri, one of those cocktails predating mixology and even the concept of cocktails itself.

The story begins in the mid-18th century, with British navy sailors embarking for long trips overseas… And more often than not getting sick with scurvy. The scurvy outbreaks on ships were a massive problem for the Navy, and soon enough doctors and surgeons started investigating their causes and possible solutions.

In 1794, thanks to the effort and experiment of Scottish surgeon James Lind, it was proven that citrus fruits have antiscorbutic effects: scurvy is indeed, as we know today, caused by a lack of vitamin C, a vitamin present in great quantities in citrus fruits (fun fact: the scientific name for vitamin-C is ascorbic acid, which literally means “anti-scurvy acid”).

Quickly enough, sailors began adding lemon or lime juice to their daily rations of gin during their long trips overseas and, in 1867, the Merchant Shipping Act made it mandatory for all British ships to carry rations of lime juice for the crew. The juice was often mixed with smaller quantities of neutral spirits to preserve it for long voyages, until a ship provisioner named Lachlan Rose came up with a technique to preserve the juice using sugar rather than alcohol. The lime cordial was born, and quickly the ships started carrying lime cordial instead of lime juice: sailors added it to their daily gin, and that’s how the cocktail we know today as the Gimlet was born.

Like any great classic cocktail, the Gimlet stood the test of time and was revisited a countless number of times. From there emerged a wide variety of twists and reinterpretations of the drinks, including the one we’re presenting in this article: the Tequila Gimlet.

A Tequila Gimlet cocktail, shot from above, in a cocktail glass on a beige surface surrounded by Tequila, lime cordial, lime juice and one lime

See More

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see how you crafted our recipes!
Tag us on Instagram at @_drinksworld

FAQ

How many calories does a Tequila Gimlet contain?
A standard Tequila Gimlet contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, the exact number can vary depending on the ingredients used and their quantities.
How strong is a Tequila Gimlet?
Typically, the Tequila Gimlet has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 18-21%, translating to 36-42 proof. This makes it a moderately potent cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Tequila Gimlet?
As the name suggests, a Tequila Gimlet uses Tequila as its primary alcohol. The quality and flavor profile of the Tequila can significantly impact the overall taste of the cocktail, so feel free to experiment with different brands and types of tequila.
In what type of glass is a Tequila Gimlet served?
Traditionally, a Tequila Gimlet is served in a chilled coupe glass.
What does a Tequila Gimlet taste like?
A Tequila Gimlet offers a refreshing blend of sweet and sour flavors. The tartness of the lime juice balances out the sweetness from the lime cordial, while the Tequila provides a smooth, slightly earthy undertone.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Tequila Gimlet?
The classic ratio for a Tequila Gimlet is 2:1:1/3 - two parts tequila, one part lime cordial, and ⅓ part fresh lime juice. However, some prefer to adjust this ratio to suit their taste preferences; for a sweeter cocktail, you can ditch the lime juice or, on the contrary, add a bit more if you’re looking for an extra-sour drink.
How is a Tequila Gimlet served with respect to ice?
A Tequila Gimlet is typically shaken with ice to chill it, then strained into a glass without ice, a method known as serving "up." This helps to prevent dilution of the drink while still keeping it cold.
Is a Tequila Gimlet a classic cocktail?
The Tequila Gimlet is a variation of the classic Gimlet cocktail, which traditionally uses gin instead of Tequila. That makes it, to be exact, a twist on a classic cocktail.
What food pairs well with a Tequila Gimlet?
A Tequila Gimlet pairs well with various foods due to its balanced flavor profile. It goes particularly well with spicy dishes as the sweetness and acidity of the cocktail can help offset the heat. It can also go well with fried appetizers, as the tanginess of the drink will help balance the fat and refresh the palate, and obviously with classic Mexican dishes such as tacos al pastor.

Categories

Flavours

Share
Pin
Post
Share
Send
Email

Rate this recipe

I don’t like it

It’s not bad

I like it

I really like it!

I love it!

Comments

Leave a Reply

Select language

The page you are looking at is also available in the following languages:

Recipe Overview

Explore our recipes by the categories below.

By spirit

By type

By flavour

Spirits Overview

Explore our spirits by the categories below.

Types