Cranberry Gimlet

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This cranberry gimlet is a simple holiday cocktail that is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. It is easy to make with a homemade cranberry simple syrup made from real cranberries.

A gimlet is a classic, simple gin cocktail made with gin, lime juice and simple syrup. However, there are lots of ways to make it a unique drink with the infusion of fruity or herbal flavors. 

For example you may like this cucumber basil gimlet, this rosemary gimlet or this strawberry gimlet. 

While gin is normally the alcohol of choice for a gimlet, other alcohols, such as in this tequila gimlet can work as well. 

This particular cranberry gimlet tastes delicious as either a cranberry gin gimlet or a cranberry vodka gimlet.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How To Make A Cranberry Gimlet
• Expert Tips
• Recipe FAQs
• 📖 Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Cocktail — Any sort of cranberry cocktail makes a great festive cocktail and this one is no exception. It will fit the theme of any Thanksgiving or Christmas get together. 
• Twist on a Classic — This is a simple cocktail that offers a slight twist on the classic gin gimlet. 
• Real Cranberries — There are no artificial flavors in this drink! All the cranberry flavor comes from a homemade cranberry simple syrup made from real cranberries.

Ingredients

• Cranberries: All the cranberry flavor in this cocktail comes from real cranberries. You can use fresh or frozen cranberries — whichever are easiest to find. 
• Gin or Vodka: Typically gimlets are made from gin, however, this cranberry gimlet works just as well as a cranberry vodka gimlet. Use whatever your type of alcohol you prefer.
• Lime Juice: A dash of lime juice adds a slight tang. Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for cocktails to get the best flavor.  
• Sugar & Water: Granulated sugar and water are heated along with the cranberries to make a cranberry simple syrup that is then used to flavor the cocktail. Brown sugar would work well as a substitute here, adding a rich, slightly more caramel flavor.

How To Make A Cranberry Gimlet

Step 1: Heat the cranberries, sugar and water together in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2: Continue to heat the cranberries, sugar and water together until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 3: Strain out the cranberries.

Step 4: Add the cranberry simple syrup, alcohol and lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well for 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Expert Tips

• Storing leftover cranberry syrup: This recipe will make extra cranberry simple syrup. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 to 2 weeks. 
• Don’t boil the syrup. Adjust the temperature on the stove to prevent the syrup from boiling. If the syrup boils, too much water will evaporate and make the simple syrup too thick. 
• Chill the glasses. Chill your gimlet cocktail glasses in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes before serving the cocktail to keep the drink extra cold. 
• Add some garnish. Some garnish ideas for this gimlet include frozen cranberries, lime wheels and a sprig of rosemary.

Recipe FAQs

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📖 Recipe