Simple Meyer Lemon Gimlet

Meyer Lemons work their magic with Empress Gin to make a wickedly delicious Simple Meyer Lemon Gimlet. Tart with the gorgeous botanical flavors of the delightful gin and well, the classic cocktail is reborn.

History of the Gimlet Cocktail

Historically, the Gimlet dates back to the 18th century. According to Liquor.com, it started as a preventative for scurvy. The lime juice was added to Gin to entice sailors to drink more citrus and well, it was pretty damn good too. And just like that, the Gimlet was born. So why is it called a Gimlet? We can attribute that distinction to the clever British Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette. At that time, Rose’s Cordial (yes the same Rose’s Lime Juice of today) was said to be mixed with Gin for the sailors to drink. A good dose of citrus along with Gin seemed to work quite well both for medicinal purposes and enticement to prevent scurvy.

In 1923, the famous Harry MacElhone of Harry’s New York Bar in Paris published the first printed recipe for the Gimlet and gave a nod to the love of this cocktail by the British Navy. At the time it was equal parts Gin and Rose Cordial. Nowadays the cocktail as we know has evolved. In our version, we use the sweet and tart Meyer Lemon and one of many small-batch gins now available. I happen to really love this very popular purple gin for its taste and smoothness.

Why I Love This Simple Meyer Lemon Gimlet Recipe

There are times in the year when you prefer a light, fresh cocktail and this is one of those cocktail recipes. The combination of the Meyer lemons and the botanicals of the gin marry to make a simple yet elegant cocktail to enjoy for holiday entertaining or simply for Friday night cocktails to end the week.

Second, to the above, I love the simplicity of the drink. 3 ingredients with a lovely garnish of Rosemary along with citrus zest, and this lovely cocktail, (tasting and looking) is the hit of your party. What can be better than that friends?

Meyer Lemons for cocktails

My Simple Meyer Lemon Gimlet obviously requires Meyer lemons which are in season, in California in the Winter and Spring months. This is typically November through May unless there are disruptions with growers. This beautiful hybrid citrus fruit is thought to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. These fragrant fruits are on the small side and have the sweetest, slightly tart flavor with dark yellow flesh. I have dwarf lemons and limes in my sideyard, and this will be the next addition. I absolutely love them for cocktails because they bring a unique flavor without overpowering the drink itself.

How to make a Gimlet

This Simple Meyer Lemon Gimlet requires simple syrup. You can make this easily at home or buy ready-made from the grocery or liquor store. In case you need to make it at home, it’s on the recipe card and shown below.

How to make simple syrup

Simple syrup is a popular ingredient for cocktails. It’s just equal parts sugar and water. The sugar is dissolved in hot, almost boiling water so it’s completely liquified resulting in a smooth sweetener for cocktails. I use equal parts white granulated sugar and water. Heat both in a small pan, stirring until completely dissolved. Allow to completely cool and place in a jar for use in your cocktails. Simple syrup will last one month refrigerated.

For two Simple Meyer Lemon Gimlet cocktails you will need the following:

• 2 coupe or cocktail-style glasses
• Cocktail shaker and cocktail strainer (You can use a tall glass and a regular, small food strainer)
• Empress 1908 Gin, 4 ounces (highly recommended) or Hendricks, Bombay Sapphire work as well.
• 2 ounces of Meyer Lemon juice, freshly squeezed. About 2-3 depending on size.
• 1 ounce of Simple syrup
• 2 small sprigs of fresh Rosemary for garnish
• 2 pieces of Meyer Lemon zest for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, add ice, gin, Meyer lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well chilled. Pour mixture through a strainer into cocktail glasses and garnish with a rosemary sprig and a piece of Meyer Lemon zest.

Variations of a Gimlet Cocktail

There are many versions of what we know as The classic Gimlet. In today’s world of cocktail mixology being a true art form, many delicious versions exist out there. The versions I like are the Vodka Gimlet, Cucumber Gimlet, and this French Gimlet recipe I’m dying to try with Elderflower liquor.

How to Make a Vodka Gimlet

The Vodka Gimlet recipe version is the same recipe that I’m sharing except with Vodka swapped for gin and lime swapped for Meyer Lemons and garnished with lime instead of Rosemary. The same ratios and preparation apply.

• 2 coupe or cocktail-style glasses
• Cocktail shaker and cocktail strainer (You can use a tall glass and a regular strainer)
• 4 ounces of good-quality Vodka
• 2 ounces of lime juice, freshly squeezed. About 2-3 depending on size.
• 1 ounce of simple syrup
• 2 Lime wheels for garnish

Use a cocktail shaker or tall glass, and add ice, vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir until well chilled and pour the mixture through a strainer into cocktail glasses. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions, tips, and Suggestions

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