The best cocktails are simple, yet elegant. With just three ingredients the French Gimlet certainly falls into this category. The strong herbal notes of your favorite gin and the brightness of lime are softened with the floral essence of St. Germain. The French Gimlet is an effortlessly chic cocktail that will elevate any party.
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History of the Gimlet
Like many classic cocktails with lime juice the gimlet has it’s roots in the British Navy. Scurvy was a common malady for 19th century sailors and Vitamin C rich citrus was the best prevention. This led to the invention of Rose’s Lime Cordial. To make it more palatable Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette added gin and the rest is history.
What is St. Germain?
St. Germain is a French liqueur made with elderflowers. This cordial is lightly sweet with a uniquely floral scent that pairs well with gin, champagne, absinthe along with a variety of fruits like citrus, strawberries or apricot. The beautiful art deco bottle evokes an era of decades past but this liqueur actually wasn’t invented until 2007! (If you like St. Germain be sure to try some of my other cocktails like the Hugo Spritz)
How to Make a French Gimlet
This cocktail follows the traditional gimlet formula replacing the simple syrup with St. Germain. Add gin (I recommend a higher quality gin for the best results), elderflower liqueur and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly for 15 seconds or until well chilled and combined. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lime peel as desired.
If you like this French Gimlet Cocktail be sure to take a look at some of my other recipes!
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French Gimlet Cocktail
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail jigger
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 coupe glass
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 1.5 oz elderflower liqueur such as St. Germain
- 0.5 oz lime juice
Instructions
- Add gin, elderflower liqueur and lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly for 15 seconds or until well chilled and combined.
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lime peel as desired.
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Tyanne says
such a yummy drink! Will definitely be making again.
Audrey says
This cocktail is super refreshing.
nancy says
pretty cocktail and so classy tasting
Ann says
I have never heard of this type of cocktail before, but you are right – very elegant looking! I will have to give this a try! Thanks for the share!
Jacqui says
I love gin, so I am always on the lookout for some fun cocktail recipes. This one is so delicious and a perfect drink for weekends!
Ed Kasselman says
A superb summer cocktail. After a dozen or so, (not in one sitting), I gussied this up a bit to make it creamier by adding one egg white, and 1 tbsp of Monin Lime syrup. 2 or 3 tiny mint leaves in the shaker add another layer of flavor. Vigorous shake for 40 seconds, strain into frozen coupe, garnish w fresh grated nutmeg which brings the high notes back to the ground. Delish!! Used Bimini Gin., or Boodles.