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    Home » Cocktails

    The BEST French Gimlet

    Published: Jul 14, 2022 · Modified: Apr 19, 2023 by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Get ready for happy hour with this chic 3-ingredient cocktail. A classic French Gimlet combines citrus and elderflower with gin to create an elegant and refreshing flavor. This sweet, tart, and boozy elderflower gin cocktail will elevate any occasion.

    If you love the combination of gin and elderflower, try the fresh and fruity Raspberry Lemon Elderflower Gin Cocktail for your next happy hour!

    French gimlet cocktail on black drink coasters. Lime wedges and a cocktail shaker are in the background.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make a French Gimlet
    • FAQ's
    • More Cocktail Recipes
    • French Gimlet

    Ingredients

    Gin, elderflower, and citrus combine to make an herbaceous, floral and tart cocktail. It's surprising to think this sophisticated and complex flavored beverage only has 3 ingredients!

    • Gin - The better the gin, the better the drink. Use a high quality gin for this gin gimlet cocktail. I suggest using Beefeater or Tanqueray.
    • Elderflower liqueur - The taste of elderflower liqueur is floral and fresh. St. Germain is one of the most famous elderflower liqueurs. It's on the pricier side, so I usually use an off brand, such as Drillaud elderflower liqueur.
    • Lime juice - Fresh squeezed limes are best to use in this French gimlet recipe.
    Three ingredients needed to make this cocktail: gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh limes.

    How to Make a French Gimlet

    Making a French Gimlet cocktail is as simple as the ingredients in this recipe. Gin and St. Germain are a classic combination and make perfect sense in this tart and sweet cocktail recipe.

    First, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes while mixing this drink. Chilling the glass can make the flavors of the drink more crisp. Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice, gin, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lime juice. Fresh lime juice is best.

    Shake well for about 15 seconds, until cold. Finally, strain the drink into a cocktail glass. Typically, this cocktail is served in a coupe glass. The best gimlet garnish is a wedge of lime on the rim of the glass.

    Serve this French Gimlet for happy hour or fancy dinner at home. Pro Tip: Make a big batch and pre-mix this elderflower gimlet in a large glass jug before a party. Simply stir and pour when your guests ask for more.

    French gimlet cocktail with a lime wedge garnish is in the forefront with a second cocktail and lime wedges in the background.

    FAQ's

    What is a gimlet?

    A gimlet is a classic cocktail that originated in the 1920s. A description of the drink from back then describes it as: "gin, and a spot of lime". A gimlet is typically a gin cocktail, but it can be made with vodka as well. To make a vodka gimlet simply replace the gin with vodka.

    What is a French gimlet?

    A French Gimlet is a gin gimlet with the addition of elderflower liqueur.

    What does gin taste like?

    The taste of gin can vary from one brand to another, but most people say it has a "pine" or "Christmas tree" flavor. Herbs, such as juniper berries and coriander, along with citrus are used to make gin giving it a botanic flavor. High quality, good gin is able to balance all the unique ingredients that go into making this spirit, so buy the "good stuff".

    What's the best gin for French gimlet?

    I suggest using a high quality gin, such as Beefeater or Tanqueray, since it's the main ingredient of this cocktail recipe.

    A French gimlet cocktail with a lime wedge on a black drink coaster.

    More Cocktail Recipes

    • Chocolate Martini with Godiva
    • Cold Brew Coffee Martini with Baileys
    • Frozen Minute Maid Limeade Margarita
    • Sparkling Cranberry Gin Cocktail

    If you try this recipe or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!

    French gimlet cocktail on black drink coasters. Lime wedges and a cocktail shaker are in the background.

    French Gimlet

    Angela
    A French gimlet is a sophisticated spin on a classic cocktail! Combine lime juice, gin and St Germain for a sweet, tart, and boozy beverage!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    0 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine French
    Servings 1 drink
    Calories 250 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker
    • jigger

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ounces Gin
    • 1.5 ounces St. Germain elderflower liqueur
    • 0.5 ounce fresh lime juice
    • ice cubes

    Instructions
     

    • Fill a cocktail shaker with all ingredients.
    • Shake for 15 seconds, until cold.
    • Strain into a cocktail glass and serve with a garnish of lime wedge.

    Notes

    • This cocktail is typically served in a coupe glass.
    • You can substitute vodka for gin.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcal
    Keyword cocktail, elderflower liqueur, french gimlet, gin
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Trackbacks

    1. Cold Brew Coffee Martini with Baileys - Happy Honey Kitchen says:
      July 14, 2022 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      […] The BEST French Gimlet […]

      Reply
    2. Aperol Gin Cocktail with Grapefruit - Happy Honey Kitchen says:
      August 3, 2022 at 8:08 am

      5 stars
      […] lovers will also enjoy my refreshing French Gimlet cocktail recipe as well – try it for your next happy […]

      Reply

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    Hi! I'm Angela. My goal is to inspire creativity and happiness in your kitchen with recipes that are as fun to make as they are to eat. From easy breakfast meal prep to 30-minute dinners to tasty cocktails.

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