Last Updated on August 18, 2024 by Leah Hall
This Rhubarb Gimlet cocktail recipe is flavorful and perfect for spring!
Here is a classic cocktail that is super refreshing and only takes five minutes to make! Not only is the gimlet super easy to make, it is the a balance of sweet and tart with the botanicals of gin. Try a Watermelon Gimlet, too!
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What is a gimlet?
A gimlet is a classic cocktail made of lime juice, gin and simple syrup. While it became popular in the 1950s, a recipe for a gimlet was included in a 1930s cocktail book, so it goes back at least that far! But most believe it was way before then!
Where Does the Gimlet Name Come From?
Some think it comes from a man named Surgeon Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette, who started serving it to sailors to prevent scurvy. Another idea is that it comes from a tool called the gimlet. A gimlet was used for drilling small holes on navy ships, and it could maybe refer to the drinks’ piercing effect on the sailors.
Whatever the case, the gimlet has made itself one of the great gin cocktails.
Who knew battling scurvy could be so classy?! The pirates, LOL!
How to Make a Gimlet
What does a gimlet taste like? It’s tangy (lime) and sweet (syrup), but balanced (gin). It’s pretty botanical and gin forward, so you want to use a great bottle of gin, we are partial to Hendrick’s, Brockman’s or Barr Hill.
We love a classic gimlet, for its tang and sour, but we wanted to change it up a little bit. This Rhubarb version is even more tangier than the original. We love the sourness of the rhubarb in this, even in a simple syrup, and it gives a great color to this cocktail, too! Make sure to try our Rhubarb Collins, too!
What Type of Glass is a Gimlet Served In?
A gimlet cocktail recipe is traditionally served in a coupe or a martini glass. We are not partial to martini glasses in this house. We prefer using coupes. Try our Lilac Gimlet, too!
However you drink it, you can use a coupe, martini glass, or even over ice in a rocks glass.
What Ingredients are Needed for the Rhubarb Gimlet?
- Gin
- Lime Juice
- Rhubarb Syrup
Gimlet Variations
Once you’ve mastered this gimlet cocktail recipe, we have a few different variations for you to try! Try them below!
Also, a Bee’s Knees is just a gimlet with honey syrup in place of the simple syrup, and a Daiquiri is just a rum gimlet. This is the simplest explanation for these other classic cocktails! Try this Rhubarb Gimlet and substitute the gin for our Rhubarb Infused Vodka, instead!
Cheers!
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Try some of our other favorite classic cocktails below!
Other Gimlet Recipes
- Lime Grapefruit and Rosemary Gimlet – Fox Valley Foodie
- Basil Ginger Gimlet – Food Above Gold
- Pineapple Grenadine Gimlet – Beautiful Booze
- East Indian Gimlet – Eat Something Sexy
- Elderflower Rose Gimlet – Feast and West

Rhubarb Gimlet
This rhubarb gimlet cocktail recipe is a great spring cocktail and is a lovely pink color!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- .75 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce rhubarb syrup
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake and strain into a coupe.
- Garnish with rhubarb strand or lime wheel if desired.
- Cheers!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 228Total Fat: .1gSodium: 4mgCarbohydrates: 20.8gFiber: .1gSugar: 17.2gProtein: .1g
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