Grapefruit Gimlet

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This Grapefruit Gimlet is a simple, 4 ingredient cocktail that can be made year round. It is a fruity variation of a classic gin gimlet, but can be made with either gin or vodka.

The Gimlet is a simple gin-based cocktail, but there are so many ways to create variations of the drink. 

Some ways include fruity variations, such as this Strawberry Gimlet or this Cranberry Gimlet. 

Or, you can make it with herb-infused simple syrup, such as in this Rosemary Gimlet or with this Cucumber Basil Gimlet.

But this recipe uses grapefruit juice (either store bought or freshly squeezed). For more grapefruit cocktails, try this Grapefruit Moscow Mule or this Basil Grapefruit Martini.

Jump to:

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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Year-Round Cocktail — Since grapefruits are generally available any time of year, this is a great year round cocktail. But even if they’re not in season (or are too expensive), store bought juice works perfectly well in this recipe. 
• Gimlet Variation — A classic gin gimlet is always a popular drink, but this grapefruit variation adds a unique and flavorful twist. 
• Simple Cocktail — This is an easy, beginner-friendly cocktail recipe made with straightforward and easy to find ingredients.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Grapefruit Juice: Use whatever type of grapefruit juice you prefer (ruby red, pink or white). Note that the taste and color of the drink will vary depending on your choice. For the best quality, use freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. 
• Gin: Use your favorite mid-shelf gin. Save top shelf gin for drinking neat. You can substitute the gin for vodka if you prefer a vodka gimlet. 
• Lime Juice: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. You can replace the lime juice with lemon juice for this cocktail recipe. 
• Simple Syrup: Use storebought simple syrup or make your own. To make your own simple syrup, heat equal amounts of sugar and water together in a saucepan until the sugar completely dissolves.

How To Make A Grapefruit Gimlet

Step 1: Add the grapefruit juice, gin, lime juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

Step 2: Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass.

Expert Tips

• Use a flavored simple syrup. If you want to experiment with variations on this cocktail, replace the regular simple syrup with a flavored one. Try this Thyme Simple Syrup or this Strawberry Simple Syrup for example. 
• Chill your cocktail glasses. A gimlet is not generally served over ice, so chilling your cocktail glasses in the fridge before serving this drink can help it stay extra cold. 
• Make it a mocktail. For a non alcoholic cocktail, leave out the gin and top the drink with a bit of club soda or 7Up. 
• Adjust the sweetness. If you are using freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, you may need to add in an extra ½ oz of simple syrup to balance out the tartness of the fresh juice.

Recipe FAQs

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📖 Recipe