Easy French Gimlet Recipe with Gin & Elderflower
Article & Photos by: allie albanese
Looking for a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail to make at home? Look no further than this French Gimlet recipe! This easy-to-make drink combines Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, and lime juice for a delicious sip that pairs perfectly with any occasion.
I’ve been on a bit of a Gimlet kick lately. Although a classic Gin Gimlet will always and forever top the list of my favorite cocktails, I’ve been exploring different variations of it and experimenting with unique twists. And one such discovery I’ve made that I’ve absolutely fallen in love with is this delightful French Gimlet recipe!
In this rendition, you substitute the traditional simple syrup with Elderflower Liqueur, and for such a small change, the impact is massive! Elderflower Liqueur is both light and floral and lends a lovely feminine touch to this classic cocktail.
Simplicity and elegance at its finest, this French Gimlet recipe is both easy to make and pretty to drink, which in my book is a win-win!
What Is A French Gimlet?
The French Gimlet is a tasty twist on the classic Gimlet cocktail. While the traditional Gimlet consists of Gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, the French Gimlet introduces an elegant touch by replacing the simple syrup with the delicate and floral notes of Elderflower Liqueur. Its unique blend of flavors creates a harmonious marriage between the botanical notes of Gin and the floral undertones of the Elderflower, offering a more nuanced and aromatic sipping experience.
French Gimlet History
While the exact origins of the French Gimlet remain elusive, its evolution can be traced back to the classic version. The Gimlet itself has its roots in the British Royal Navy, where sailors would mix lime cordial with their Gin to combat scurvy during long sea voyages. Over time, this simple combination of Gin and lime evolved into the iconic Gimlet cocktail.
The French Gimlet takes this beloved classic and adds a touch of elegance by incorporating Elderflower Liqueur. Elderflower, long celebrated in European culinary traditions, brings a delicate floral flavor to the cocktail, elevating it to new heights of sophistication.
Floral Elderflower Liqueur, often exemplified by the renowned St-Germain brand, gained popularity in the early 21st century. Its introduction into the cocktail scene offered mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts an exciting new ingredient to explore, leading to the creation of this refined twist on the traditional Gimlet.
Today, the French Gimlet continues to enchant cocktail enthusiasts around the world, gracing the menus of upscale bars and becoming a staple in many home bartending repertoires. Its allure lies not only in its delightful taste but also in its rich historical connections and the sense of refined indulgence it brings to every sip.
French Gimlet Vs Gimlet
When it comes to classic cocktails, the Gimlet holds a special place in the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts (including mine!). But what sets the French Gimlet apart from its traditional counterpart is its flavor profile and the ingredients used to make it.
A classic Gimlet calls for Gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. This concoction allows the botanical notes of the Gin to shine through, which is complemented by the zesty acidity of fresh lime juice and balanced by the sweetness of the simple syrup.
The French Gimlet, however, adds a touch of sophistication by replacing the simple syrup with Elderflower Liqueur. The floral notes of the Elderflower Liqueur beautifully harmonize with the botanical notes of the Gin, while the lime juice maintains its role in providing a vibrant citrus backbone.
When it comes to serving, both the Gimlet and the French Gimlet are traditionally enjoyed in a chilled cocktail glass (typically a coupe glass or a Martini glass) and garnished with a lime wheel or twist.
French Gimlet Ingredients
Combining the classic elements of a traditional Gin Gimlet with a touch of French sophistication, this recipe for a French Gimlet recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients and very little prep time. Let’s take a closer look at the key elements in this chic drink:
- GIN: As with the traditional Gimlet, Gin serves as the base spirit for this Elderflower Gimlet receipe. However, your choice of Gin can greatly influence the overall character of the cocktail, so I recommend opting for a high quality Gin with a balanced blend of botanicals – you want to taste the flavor of juniper berries, but not so much so that it overwhelms the delicate nature of the elderflower! Some go-to Gins for me include Hendrick’s Gin and Beefeater London Dry Gin; however, the best Gin for a French Gimlet is the one you enjoy drinking the most!
- ELDERFLOWER LIQUEUR: The star ingredient that sets the French Gimlet apart is the addition of Elderflower Liqueur. This delicate and fragrant liqueur, often embodied by the well-known St-Germain brand, is made from hand-picked elderflower blossoms. It brings gentle sweetness and captivating floral notes to the cocktail, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication. While I reach for a bottle of St. Germain whenever I mix a drink that calls for Elderflower Liqueur, other options to consider include Giffard Fleur de Sureau Sauvage, Drillaud Elderflower Liqueur, and Bertina Elderflower Liqueur.
- LIME JUICE: Lime juice is a crucial component that provides the necessary acidity and brightness to balance the flavors in a French Gimlet cocktail. Fresh lime juice lends a tart and zesty quality that complements the floral sweetness of the Elderflower Liqueur and enhances the overall complexity of the cocktail.
- SPLASH OF SWEETENER (OPTIONAL): While I personally don’t include any additional sweetener in my French Gimlet recipe, feel free to sweeten up your lime Gin cocktail by adding a touch of simple syrup or agave. Elderflower syrup is also a good option if you really want a pronounced elderflower flavor!
- GARNISH: To enhance the visual appeal of your French Gimlet Martini, consider adding a garnish. A twist of lime peel can add a burst of citrus aroma, while a delicate edible flower or a sprig of fresh herbs can further accentuate the botanical essence of the cocktail.
As always, I encourage you to experiment! Don’t be afraid to customize this French Gimlet recipe by exploring different Gin brands, variations of Elderflower Liqueur, or even incorporating other complementary ingredients to add a personal touch to your creation.
How To Make A French Gimlet
With its delicate floral notes and balanced flavors, this French Gimlet cocktail recipe is a delightful one to enjoy on any occasion. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create your own mouthwatering French Gimlet:
- CHILL YOUR GLASSWARE: To enhance the drinking experience, chill your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice and set it aside while you prepare the cocktail. A chilled glass adds a refreshing touch to the final presentation.
- COMBINE THE INGREDIENTS: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz Gin, 1 oz Elderflower Liqueur, and ½ oz fresh lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice.
- SHAKE VIGOROUSLY: Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This helps to chill the ingredients, blend the flavors, and achieve the desired dilution.
- STRAIN AND SERVE: Using both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer to double strain, pour the contents of the shaker into your chilled cocktail glass, straining out any ice and ensuring a flawless presentation.
- GARNISH: Garnish your French Gimlet drink with a lime wedge, lime wheel, or lime twist for a citrusy aroma or a sprig of fresh herbs like mint, thyme, or basil for a herbal touch. These garnishes add both visual appeal and a hint of additional fragrance to the cocktail.
Remember, making a French Gimlet Martini is not just about following a recipe but also about customizing it to suit your taste preferences! While my recipe calls for 2 parts Gin, 1 part Elderflower Liqueur, and ½ part lime juice, feel free to experiment with different ratios or to incorporate other complementary ingredients to add a personal touch. The beauty of mixology lies in the exploration and discovery of new flavors!
Equipment Needed To Make This French Gimlet Recipe
To craft this delicious elderflower Gin cocktail, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- CITRUS JUICER: Fresh lime juice plays a vital role in the French Gimlet’s flavor profile, so a citrus juicer is immensely helpful. For smaller batches of drinks, I recommend using a reliable hand juicer or a 2-in-1 citrus juicer. However, when preparing French Gimlets for a larger gathering, an electric citrus juicer will be your best friend!
- COCKTAIL SHAKER: A reliable cocktail shaker is a must-have for mixing your French Gimlet. A three-piece Dublin shaker or a two-piece Boston shaker (my personal preference) are popular options.
- JIGGER OR MEASURING TOOL: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your French Gimlet. I use a Japanese jigger, but a mini liquid measuring cup or measuring spoons make great options as well.
- STRAINER: Double straining a cocktail involves using both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh sieve. The Hawthorne strainer keeps larger ice and solid ingredients from entering your cocktail glass, while the fine-mesh sieve removes any smaller ice chips or leftover bits.
- MIXING GLASS (OPTIONAL): While not strictly necessary, a mixing glass can be useful for gently stirring the ingredients of your French Gimlet. This tool is handy if you prefer a stirred cocktail served over ice rather than a shaken one served up.
- BAR SPOON (OPTIONAL): A long-handled bar spoon is great for stirring cocktails in a mixing glass and incorporating the flavors without excessive agitation.
- COCKTAIL GLASS: The proper glassware enhances the overall drinking experience of your French Gimlet. I recommend a coupe glass if serving this lime Gin drink up or a rocks glass if serving it over ice. Personally, I am obsessed with these Nick & Nora glasses, which make me feel so sophisticated when I sip out of them. But I also have my eye on these gorgeous pink coupe glasses and these smoky Champagne coupes to add to my always-growing glassware collection!
- CHANNEL KNIFE: To make a long, spirally citrus twist like the one pictured here, a channel knife is mandatory.
Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home bartender, having the right equipment ensures that your cocktail-making efforts yield impressive results. With these essential tools in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to perfect this French Gimlet cocktail recipe!
French Gimlet Recipe: When To Drink
A sophisticated and delicious cocktail, this French Gimlet recipe with St. Germain is truly perfect for any occasion. Here are some of the best times to serve this refreshing drink:
- SUMMER SOIRÉES AND OUTDOOR GATHERINGS: The light and refreshing flavor of a French Gimlet makes it the perfect cocktail for hot summer days and warm summer nights.
- BRUNCH: The delicate sweetness of a French Gimlet pairs beautifully with brunch foods like pancakes, waffles, and pastries.
- APÉRITIF: A classic apéritif, the tart lime flavor of a French Gimlet helps to cleanse the palate and prepare your taste buds for the meal to come.
- CELEBRATORY TOAST: A French Gimlet makes an excellent cocktail for any celebration thanks to its elegance and sophistication.
- COCKTAIL PARTIES: The crisp and refreshing flavor profile of a French Gimlet makes it an outstanding option for daytime gatherings, while its sophisticated presentation adds an elegant touch to evening celebrations.
- ROMANTIC EVENINGS: Exuding sexiness, this chic cocktail is an ideal choice for a cozy night with your special someone.
- HAPPY HOUR: The light and refreshing nature of a French Gimlet makes it an easy-drinking sipper to help you unwind after a long day.
There’s no hard and fast rule on when to enjoy a French Gimlet. This is one of those Gin cocktails to indulge in any time you desire a taste of elegance and charm!
French Gimlet Recipe Variations
While this French Gimlet recipe is a lovely concoction, it’s always fun to explore different variations. Here are a few creative twists you can try:
- BERRY-LICIOUS: Incorporate berries into your French Gimlet by muddling a handful of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries in the cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients. This variation adds a luscious fruity dimension that complements the floral notes of the St-Germain Liqueur.
- HERBED ELEGANCE: Elevate the herbal character of the French Gimlet by infusing your Gin with fragrant herbs. Simply add a sprig of fresh rosemary, mint, thyme, or basil to it and let it steep for a couple of hours or overnight. The aromatic herbs lend a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with both the floral and citrus elements of the drink.
- BUBBLY BLISS: For a bubbly twist on the French Gimlet, add a splash of your favorite sparkling wine to the mix. This addition not only adds effervescence but also gives it a celebratory touch, making it perfect for special occasions or toasting with friends.
- TROPICAL PARADISE: Transport your taste buds to a sunny getaway by adding a splash of pineapple or mango juice to your French Gimlet. The exotic sweetness of these fruits brings a yummy tropical twist.
- FLORAL INFUSION: Add a few drops of lavender syrup or rose water to this French Gimlet recipe to enhance its overall floral flavor.
- SPICY SENSATION: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, infuse your Gin with a few slices of jalapeño or muddle them in the cocktail shaker. This variation adds a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the Elderflower Liqueur.
Remember, these variations are merely starting points so feel free to let your imagination run wild! What makes mixology fun is the freedom to explore and create new flavor combinations.
More Tasty Gimlet Recipes And Elderflower Cocktails To Try
If you’ve fallen in love with this French Gimlet recipe or you simply adore Elderflower Liqueur in a craft cocktail as I do, then you’re in for a treat! Here are a few more sips to try the next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing cocktail:
- TEQUILA GIMLET: a mouthwatering twist combining the distinct flavor of Tequila with the tangy zest of lime
- HUGO SPRITZ: an effervescent sip that brings together the refreshing flavors of elderflower, mint, lime, and sparkling wine
- GRAPEFRUIT GIMLET: a zesty and invigorating Gimlet variation blending the tartness of fresh grapefruit with the botanical notes of Gin
- RHUBARB GINGER SPRING GIMLET: a tasty seasonal concoction that harmonizes the tart essence of rhubarb with the spicy kick of ginger
- THE SKIMLET: a guilt-free twist on the classic Gimlet that reduces the amount of traditional sweetener for a lighter alternative
Frequently Asked Questions About This French Gimlet Recipe With St. Germain
From spirit substitutions to serving options to details about ingredients, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about this Elderflower Gimlet recipe.
CAN YOU MAKE A GIMLET WITH LEMON JUICE?
Yes, you can make a Gimlet with lemon juice. Although the classic recipe calls for lime juice, you can certainly use lemon juice instead. There are no rules here!
CAN YOU MAKE A FRENCH GIMLET WITH VODKA?
Absolutely! While a traditional French Gimlet relies on Gin, Vodka can serve as a suitable substitute if you don’t care for Gin or prefer the neutral flavor of Vodka. By swapping Vodka for Gin, you allow the Elderflower Liqueur to really shine!
WHAT KIND OF ALCOHOL IS ST GERMAIN?
St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur is not an alcohol itself, but rather an alcohol-based liqueur. Specifically, it is an artisanal French liqueur crafted from hand-picked elderflower blossoms. The flowers are carefully gathered in the French Alps during a brief period in the spring and then infused into a base of neutral grape spirit.
St. Germain liqueur is known for its delicate and fragrant floral notes, which add a distinctive touch to drinks. It pairs beautifully with a variety of wines and spirits such as Gin, Vodka, and Champagne.
DO YOU SERVE A GIMLET OVER ICE?
You can serve a Gimlet either straight up (without ice) or on the rocks (with ice). The classic recipe calls for no ice, but it is also commonly served on the rocks. Ultimately, it is up to you how you like it best!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GIN GIMLET AND A GIN MARTINI?
The key differences between a Gin Gimlet and a Gin Martini lie in their ingredients and flavor profiles. A Gin Gimlet is typically made with Gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, which results in a refreshing, citrus-forward cocktail. A Gin Martini, on the other hand, is made with Gin and Dry Vermouth, resulting in a drier, more botanical cocktail.
WHAT GLASS DO YOU DRINK A GIMLET OUT OF?
A Gimlet is typically served in a coupe glass, which is a small, stemmed glass with a wide, shallow bowl. The wide bowl helps to showcase the color, clarity, and aroma of the cocktail, while the stem helps to keep your hands from warming the drink.
Coupe glasses are often used for cocktails that are traditionally served straight up. Such drinks include the Clover Club, Sidecar, Hemingway Daiquiri, and of course the Gin or Vodka Gimlet.
French Gimlet Recipe: The Wrap-Up
The French Gimlet is more than just a cocktail; it represents the perfect blend of elegance, sophistication, and the artistry of mixology. At first sip, its delicious combination of botanical Gin, tangy lime, and sweet, floral St-Germain truly captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
So add a bottle of St Germain to your home bar and unlock a world of exquisite flavors and refined drink recipes. Trust me, it’s a worthy investment and a great addition to your bottle collection that will help take your mixology skills to new heights!
A writer and photographer, Allie Albanese is the founder and curator of Parched Around the World. Here she seeks to tell stories about the intersection of food, drinks, cultures, and traditions in places near and far.
As the Beverage Director and Head Bartender of a high-volume cocktail bar, Allie spent years honing her mixology skills and learning about the fascinating world of drinks. In the time since, she’s worked as a wine and cocktail consultant for both private and corporate clients, as well as a freelance journalist writing about cocktails, wine, food, and travel for various publications across the United States and abroad.
When mixing a drink for herself, you’ll likely find Allie with a fresh Gin Gimlet or a spicy Old Fashioned in hand!
Disclosure: Articles throughout Parched Around the World may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase something using one of them, I may earn a small commission for sharing items I personally use and love. This comes at no cost to you, but helps support Parched and allows me to keep this website running! For more information, please see my full Privacy Policy.
French Gimlet
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Drink 1x
Description
An easy-to-make drink combining Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, and lime juice, this delicious French Gimlet recipe pairs perfectly with any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
-
1 oz Elderflower Liqueur
-
1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
-
Garnish: Lime twist
Instructions
- Place your cocktail glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice and set it aside to chill.
- In a cocktail shaker, add the Gin, Elderflower Liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
- Double strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass (or in a glass filled with ice if you prefer your French Gimlet on the rocks).
- Garnish with a lime twist and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: Cocktails
Hi Friends, I’m Allie!
I’m an Italian-German-Southerner with a deep passion for food, drinks & travel. After 15 years in NYC as a Certified Sommelier & cocktail creator, plus a stint in New Zealand learning how to make wine, I’m now back home in Georgia where I blend my love for culinary arts & travel into my work as a writer & photographer. Thank you so much for joining me here at Parched where I look forward to exploring the world together one bite, sip & adventure at a time!
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