Refreshing Grapefruit Gimlet Cocktail Recipe with Gin
Article & Photos by: allie albanese
Discover the perfect blend of tangy grapefruit, zesty lime, and botanical Gin in this easy-to-make Grapefruit Gimlet cocktail recipe. From essential ingredients to recommended Gins to suggestions for how to add your own twist, read on for everything you need to know to make this refreshing tipple!
What do you do when you have a bounty of ruby red grapefruits picked fresh from your very own tree? Make a Grapefruit Gimlet of course!
A few years ago I decided to renovate my grandfather’s house on St. Simons Island in Georgia. I had just returned from living in New Zealand. The pandemic hit. And like lots of other people, my plans for the future got completely turned upside down. So after years of thinking about the island house renovation, I decided to pull the trigger. And one of my top priorities — especially after living in NZ — was to have a garden filled with fruit trees!
Given that the climate in the Golden Isles is perfectly suited for citrus trees, an absolute must in my garden design was planting a ruby red grapefruit tree. I love everything about grapefruit and the idea of being able to pick fresh grapefruit from my very own tree had me completely over the moon! Which Mother Nature must have sensed because my tree produced an INSANE amount of grapefruits in its very first harvest.
So naturally, I had to turn some of that delicious fresh fruit into delicious cocktails. And since Gin and grapefruit are a natural pairing, creating a Grapefruit Gimlet recipe was a given!
Tart, fruity, and a little bit sweet, this refreshing Grapefruit Gin Gimlet is super easy to make and even easier to drink. And one reason this is a favorite cocktail of mine is that you can make it as is or you can spice it up with different herbs and syrups to create your own delicious twist!
What Is A Grapefruit Gimlet?
The Grapefruit Gimlet is a refreshing cocktail that combines the tangy and vibrant essence of grapefruit with the classic structure of a Gimlet cocktail. While a classic Gimlet is made with Gin, lime juice, and simple syrup, the Grapefruit Gimlet adds an extra citrusy twist by incorporating fresh grapefruit juice as a primary ingredient.
Why Is A Gimlet Called A Gimlet?
There are two main theories about why the Gimlet is called a Gimlet.
The most widely accepted theory is that it is named after Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette, who is credited with creating the cocktail in the early 1900s. A surgeon in the British Army, Gimlette is said to have created it as a way to help prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. At the time, officers and sailors were given a daily ration of lime juice to help ward off the disease, which Gimlette mixed with Gin to help make it more palatable to drink.
Another theory, however, is that this Gin cocktail is named after a tool called a ‘gimlet’ that is used for drilling small holes in barrels of spirits to draw the liquid out. Some suggest the tool’s name may have been given to the cocktail because it is a sharp and penetrating drink.
Ingredients In A Grapefruit Gimlet
In the 1953 Raymond Chandler novel titled “The Long Goodbye,” protagonist Philip Marlowe enjoys a Gimlet cocktail stating, “A real Gimlet is half Gin and half Rose’s lime juice cordial and nothing else.” And while this famous quote has long been used to describe this tipple, I don’t think Rose’s Lime juice quite compares to the deliciousness of the real stuff!
So let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients I use to create this refreshing libation:
- GIN: The backbone of the Grapefruit Gimlet is Gin, a spirit renowned for its botanical complexity. The botanicals in Gin add depth and character to the cocktail, creating a harmonious fusion with the citrus elements in the drink.
- FRESH GRAPEFRUIT JUICE: The star of the show, fresh grapefruit juice brings bright acidity and natural sweetness to this drnk to create a zesty twist.
- LIME JUICE: A squeeze of fresh lime juice is a crucial component that creates balance and adds a citrusy punch.
- SIMPLE SYRUP: To achieve the perfect ratio of sweet and sour, a touch of simple syrup is necessary. This rounds out the flavors and enhances the overall taste experience.
These four simple ingredients work in harmony to create a Grapefruit Gimlet that is balanced, refreshing, and brimming with citrusy goodness. Of course, feel free to personalize your Grapefruit Gimlet by adjusting ingredient quantities or exploring different Gin varieties to suit your taste preferences.
GRAPEFRUIT GIMLET WITH ST. GERMAIN
I recently shared the recipe for a French Gimlet, which incorporates Elderflower Liqueur into the classic Gimlet recipe to give it a light, floral touch. You can certainly do the same in this Grapefruit Gimlet cocktail as well!
St. Germain adds a floral, honey-like flavor to the Grapefruit Gimlet that is simply delicious. The resulting flavor takes me straight back to childhood when my mom used to drizzle honey over my fresh grapefruit to make it a little less tart for my little girl palate.
GRAPEFRUIT GIMLET VODKA
Although the Grapefruit Gimlet is typically made with Gin, it can also be made with Vodka. A Vodka Grapefruit Gimlet is just as refreshing and makes a great option for people who don’t like the taste of Gin.
For even more grapefruit flavor, try using a ruby red Grapefruit Vodka like Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka!
How To Make A Gimlet
Crafting this refreshing sip is a straightforward process that can be mastered by both novice and experienced mixologists alike. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own Grapefruit Gimlet masterpiece:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 2 ounces of Gin, 2 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice, ¼ ounce of lime juice, and ¼ ounce of simple syrup.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to thoroughly chill the ingredients and incorporate flavors.
- Double strain the contents through a fine-mesh sieve into a chilled coupe glass. Alternatively, if you prefer it on the rocks, strain the mixture into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
- Garnish your Grapefruit Gimlet with a grapefruit slice, grapefruit wheel, or grapefruit wedge and enjoy!
HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP
Making simple syrup is a quick and easy process. Simply combine equal parts of sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat to medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves, then remove from the heat and let it cool.
Equipment Needed
To make the perfect Grapefruit Gimlet, it’s essential to have the right tools at hand. Here’s a rundown of the equipment you’ll need to craft this citrusy delight:
- CITRUS JUICER: Extracting fresh juice from your grapefruits and limes is crucial to achieving the vibrant flavors in your Grapefruit Gimlet. I use this 2-in-1 citrus juicer for small batches of drinks and this electric citrus juicer when making grapefruit and Gin cocktails for a crowd!
- JIGGER OR MEASURING TOOL: Accurate measurements are key to achieving a well-balanced Grapefruit Gimlet. A Japanese jigger or a mini measuring cup with clear markings will help you precisely measure your ingredients.
- COCKTAIL SHAKER: A high-quality cocktail shaker is a must-have for mixing your ingredients thoroughly and ensuring proper chilling. I prefer this Boston shaker for my day-to-day cocktail-making, but I adore the look of this Dublin shaker, especially for photos.
- STRAINER: Double straining a cocktail requires both a Hawthorne strainer as well as a fine-mesh sieve strainer. This ensures a smooth and refined texture in your final drink.
- COUPE GLASS OR ROCKS GLASS: The choice of glassware can add a touch of elegance to your cocktail presentation. Traditionally, a coupe glass is used for serving a Grapefruit Gimlet straight up, while a rocks glass is ideal for serving it on the rocks. I am also obsessed with these Nick & Nora glasses, which make a gorgeous alternative.
- COCKTAIL PICKS: Enhance the presentation of your Grapefruit Gimlet by using cocktail picks for your garnish. I use these classic cocktail picks alllllll the time, but these bamboo picks are fun if you want to give your drink a beachy vibe!
What Gin Is Best With Grapefruit?
When it comes to pairing Gin with grapefruit, your Gin choice plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall taste experience of the cocktail.
One Gin that is often celebrated for its compatibility with grapefruit is a classic London Dry. London Dry Gins typically possess a juniper-forward character balanced by a medley of botanicals, creating a robust and versatile spirit. The pronounced juniper notes in these Gins tend to intertwine beautifully with the zesty and tangy qualities of grapefruit, creating a lovely blend of flavors.
If you’re seeking a Gin specifically crafted to complement the citrus brilliance of grapefruit, consider exploring ones that incorporate botanicals with similar profiles. Look for Gins that highlight ingredients like coriander, angelica root, orris root, or lemon peel. These botanicals can accentuate the vibrant characteristics of grapefruit, resulting in a well-rounded and balanced Gin cocktail with grapefruit.
Furthermore, the choice between a traditional London Dry Gin and a more contemporary-style Gin can also influence the grapefruit pairing. Some contemporary Gins incorporate botanicals like pink peppercorn or hibiscus, which can add intriguing layers to the grapefruit-Gin marriage.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Ultimately, the best Gin with grapefruit is a subjective matter, as individual taste preferences vary. However, a few that I recommend include:
- HENDRICK’S GIN: This Gin is distilled with ingredients such as cucumber and rose petals, which gives it a floral and refreshing flavor that acts as a perfect complement to the tartness of grapefruit.
- TANQUERAY LONDON DRY GIN: Tanqueray is known for its heavy Juniper flavor, which I think contrasts beautifully with the citrus flavor of grapefruit.
- BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GIN: This Gin is made with 10 botanicals, including citrus peel, which makes it a natural pairing with fresh grapefruit.
- BEEFEATER LONDON DRY GIN: This classic London dry Gin has a light, refreshing flavor that really allows the grapefruit flavor to shine. This is an all-around favorite Gin of mine and one I keep on hand at all times!
Grapefruit Gimlet Variations
Whether you seek a subtle twist or a bold reinterpretation, there are a plethora of ways to add your own unique touch to this fresh Gin cocktail. Some ideas to consider making include:
- ROSEMARY GRAPEFRUIT GIMLET: Add a sprig of rosemary to the cocktail shaker and muddle it gently to release its aromatic oils. This herbal grapefruit rosemary infusion will complement the tangy grapefruit and add a delightful earthy note.
- JALAPEÑO GRAPEFRUIT GIMLET: For those who enjoy a touch of heat, slice a few thin rounds of jalapeño pepper and add them to the cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously to infuse the Gimlet with a subtle spiciness that harmonizes beautifully with the citrusy grapefruit.
- PINK GRAPEFRUIT GIMLET: Simply substitute pink grapefruit juice for white or ruby red.
- ELDERFLOWER GRAPEFRUIT GIMLET: Introduce a touch of floral elegance by adding a splash of elderflower liqueur. The delicate and fragrant notes of elderflower will give this grapefruit Gin cocktail a sophisticated and nuanced flavor profile.
- GRAPEFRUIT SAGE GIMLET: Create a sage simple syrup using fresh sage leaves and then garnish your drink with a sage leaf.
Remember, these variations are merely a starting point! Let your imagination run wild, experiment with different herbs, spices, or liqueurs, and create your own unique Gin Grapefruit Gimlet variation.
Similar Cocktails To Try
Whether you’re a fan of Gimlets or you just love the flavor of grapefruit, here are some other tasty cocktail recipes you might enjoy:
- TEQUILA GIMLET: a vibrant twist on the classic cocktail combining the bold flavors of Tequila with the zesty citrus notes of lime
- TANGO COCKTAIL: a seductive blend of Gin, grapefruit juice, and Passion Fruit Liqueur
- RHUBARB GINGER SPRING GIMLET: A delightful sip that marries the tartness of rhubarb with the warmth of ginger
- PALOMA: A refreshing Tequila-based cocktail that highlights the bright and fresh flavors of grapefruit and lime
- THE SKIMLET: A sophisticated Gimlet meets a casual Gin & Tonic in this easy-drinking tipple
Grapefruit Gimlet FAQs
Curious about the ingredients you can use to craft a Grapefruit Gimlet or how to serve and garnish it? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about this delightful cocktail.
DOES A GIMLET HAVE AN ONION?
No, a classic Gimlet does not have an onion, it is typically garnished with a lime twist or lime wedge. A Gibson cocktail, however, is traditionally garnished with a cocktail onion.
WHAT GIN TURNS PURPLE WITH CITRUS?
Gins that contain butterfly pea flowers turn purple when mixed with citrus. Made from vibrant blue flowers native to Southeast Asia, this natural plant-based food coloring changes color depending on the pH level of the liquid it is mixed with. When mixed with something acidic like citrus juice, it turns a deep purple color.
Some examples of Gin that produce this mesmerizing effect include Empress 1908 Gin, Conniption Kinship Gin, and Ink Gin.
DO YOU SERVE A GIMLET OVER ICE?
Although a Gimlet is traditionally served up, you can certainly serve it over ice if you prefer. The only rule I have when it comes to making a Gimlet is that you enjoy drinking it!
CAN A GIMLET BE MADE WITH VODKA?
Yes, you can absolutely make a Gimlet with Vodka! While Vodka doesn’t have the same complexity as Gin, it has a more neutral base that allows the other drink ingredients to shine and that gives this classic cocktail a crisp, clean finish.
WHAT IS GIN AND GRAPEFRUIT JUICE CALLED?
A cocktail made with Gin and grapefruit juice is called a Greyhound. A Greyhound is commonly made with Vodka as well.
Grapefruit Gimlet Recipe: The Wrap-Up
Just the right balance between sweet and tart, this grapefruit cocktail is a refreshing summer sip that makes a perfect cocktail for any occasion. It’s easy to make at home and super fun to experiment with, so gather your ingredients, shake up this Grapefruit Gimlet recipe, and enjoy!
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.
Grapefruit Gimlet
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Drink 1x
Description
Discover the perfect blend of tangy grapefruit, zesty lime, and botanical Gin in this easy-to-make Grapefruit Gimlet cocktail recipe that you’re guaranteed to make time and time again!
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 2 oz Grapefruit Juice
- 1/4 oz Lime Juice
- 1/4 oz Simple Syrup
- Garnish: Grapefruit wheel, slice, or wedge
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the ingredients are well combined and the outside of the cocktail shaker feels very cold.
- Double strain into a coupe glass or a cocktail glass of your choice, or serve it on the rocks if you prefer!
- Garnish with a grapefruit wheel, slice, or wedge.
Notes
- One note for anyone new to making cocktails: citrus juice is NOT directly interchangeable! If a recipe calls for 1 oz of lime juice, simply swapping it for orange or lemon or grapefruit juice is not going to give you the same result. This recipe is a perfect example of that! Although I wanted a grapefruit-forward drink, my grapefruits are sweeter than limes, so I still needed a touch of lime for balance. And since grapefruit juice isn’t typically as pungent as lime juice, I needed more grapefruit juice than the amount of lime juice called for in a classic Gimlet. So don’t be afraid to experiment to find the ratios that work for you.
- Also, if grapefruits aren’t in season or aren’t particularly flavorful where you are, feel free to add a dash of grapefruit bitters to this recipe. You’d be surprised by the oomph a tiny dash of bitters can give to a drink!
- 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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