Vodka Gimlet | An Effortless 3-Ingredient Variation of a Timeless Classic Cocktail

The Vodka Gimlet is a variation of the classic Gimlet using– you guessed it– vodka in lieu of gin. It’s fresh, vibrant, and elegant. This rendition is perfect if you’re looking to change things up, test drive a new vodka, or as an alternative for the imbiber who doesn’t fancy the strong distinct taste of gin.

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If you’ve been following along with me on my Instagram, receive my newsletter, or saw this Stork Club recipe post, you’ll know that I’ve been expecting a baby. Well, that baby is HERE!

While I was pregnant, I compiled a list of cocktail recipes made by my #drinkstagram friends. They all looked SO good and I was eagerly awaiting the day when I could safely enjoy them. That day has come. Technically. But the reality is that by the time evening comes around and both kids are in bed, I’m beat.

I have no physical or mental energy to spare on homemade ingredients and infusions. I don’t have the time for liquor store runs to purchase additional liqueurs and bitters, nor do I have extra cash laying around to pay for them. (Babies aren’t free– have you heard?)

I know one day I’ll be able to make all those recipes I’ve been drooling over. But for now, I’m at peace with my limitations. Limitations which are: minimal time + minimal ingredients.

Wouldn’t you know that classic cocktails are just that.

One of my all-time favorite cocktails is the gimlet. I was going to make myself one but then saw a new bottle of vodka sitting on my bar that has been waiting to be opened for months now.

Vodka is one of those spirits that I want to learn more about. I know that it can be distilled from a variety of ingredients (potatoes, wheat, grapes…) but it still mostly all tastes the same to me.

Howeverrrrr, when I opened up a bottle of vodka made from quinoa, my tune changed. The stuff tastes entirely unique. It’s got a unique earthy, mineral taste not common in vodka.

The best way to get a feel for a new-to-you spirit, after sipping it neat, is to use it in a classic cocktail. I plan on making a Lemon Drop using this quinoa vodka but thought that a Vodka Gimlet would be fun, too.

This was actually my first time trying a Vodka Gimlet and it was great. The quinoa lends some unique metallic notes to the drink while maintaining the tartness and crispness that I love in a classic Gimlet. I’ll definitely be trying out my other vodkas in a Vodka Gimlet to see how they all compare.

If you’re into the idea of a Vodka Gimlet, check out these other classic cocktail variations I’ve tried:

• Ramos Gin Fizz using botanical rum
• Gin and Cabernet Sour, a rendition of the classic New York Sour
• Bishop of Bordeaux, a play on the Daiquiri with an addition of white wine

Have you ever made a Vodka Gimlet? Have you found that vodkas distilled from different ingredients produce a wildly different final product? Let me know in a comment– I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Ingredients to Make a Vodka Gimlet

• 2 oz vodka
• 3/4 oz freshly-squeezed lime juice (fresh makes all the difference)
• 3/4 oz simple syrup (more or less to your liking)

How to Make a Vodka Gimlet

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker that’s filled with ice. Shake well, about 20 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.