This festive cranberry gimlet lends seasonal sweetness to the classic co*cktail. It's a perfect addition to your next holiday party!
I remember the first time I tried gin; I was not a fan. It smelled faintly of pine trees and the taste wasn’t too far off either.
Fast-forward a few years and I decided to give gin another try. I loved how drinking gin was portrayed on tv – sophisticated and fancy.
I was determined to become fancy with my co*cktail drinking.
So I splurged for some good gin and tonic and mixed myself up a co*cktail. Not as horrible as the first time, but I was still not completely sold.
I kept ordering them anytime I went out to dinner and slowly I started to love gin. I started to enjoy the juniper taste and loved the slight fizz of the tonic.
While I’m still a loyalgin and tonicdrinker I also like to play around with co*cktails so I don’t get bored. For this drink I went a little tart with my mixing.
I have always paired my cranberry with vodka but not this time. I took the classic gimlet and gave it the cranberry twist.
This co*cktail is slightly sweet and can be changed just based on what cranberry juice you use. Part of the fun is figuring out exactly how you like it best!
What is a Gimlet?
A gimlet is a classic gin co*cktail made with gin and lime juice. It is tart and that tartness plays so well with the juniper notes of a good quality gin.
It's a very simple co*cktail, slightly sweetened, generally with a bit of simple syrup. The gimlet is a refreshing co*cktail that makes for very easy sipping.
With a long history dating back to the mid-19th centurey, this classic co*cktail is generally shaken with ice and then strained into a chilled glass.
Often you'll find it garnished with a lime wheel, wedge or twist and served straight up though it's not uncommon to see it served over the rocks as well.
Gin enthusiasts and classic co*cktail lovers alike are generally big fans of the gimlet and for very good reason. It's fresh, tart and utterly delicious.
Cranberry Gimlet Recipe
To make this fruity and festive cranberry gimlet, you will need:
Cranberry Gimlet Ingredients
- Gin - Of course, gin is a must for a gimlet. Use a really great gin and it will make all the difference in this gin co*cktail.
- Cranberry juice - I prefer to mix this drink with unsweetened cranberry juice.If you use cranberry co*cktail it will give it a slight cranberry taste but will be much sweeter. If you use pure100% cranberry juicebe prepared for a much tarter co*cktail. I personally prefer the 100% cranberry juice, but I’m used to its taste so I dig that tart pucker.
- Lime juice - Use freshly squeezed lime juice if you can, or a high quality pre-squeezed lime juice will also work in a pinch.
- Simple syrup - I like to make homemade simple syrup, which is very easy to make. You can also generally find simple syrup in the co*cktail mixer section of your grocery store.
- Fresh cranberries - Nothing looks more like the holidays than a garnish of fresh cranberries. While not strictly necessary, they add such a fun pop to the look of this cranberry co*cktail recipe.
Gear
- co*cktail shaker and jigger
- Old fashioned glasses or champagne coupes
How to Make a Cranberry Gimlet
Step 1. Fill a co*cktail shaker with ice and then use a jigger or a shot glass to measure and pour the gin over top of the ice.
Step 2. Add the cranberry juice to your co*cktail shaker. Again, you can use a sweetened cranberry juice, but I suggest at least trying it with the unsweetened juice, but either way results in a delicious drink!
Step 3. Add the lime juice and simple syrup. You can always add more simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink, but add just a little bit at a time until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
Step 4. Shake until well chilled and pour into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries. Alternately, you can freeze the cranberries in advance for a fun, holiday twist.
What Gin Is Best for a Gimlet?
When it comes to this festive cranberry gimlet recipe or any other gimlet recipe, choosing the best gin is largely a matter of personal preference.
I would always recommend a high quality gin - my personal favorite is Hendrick's, but truly any good gin will complement the flavors of a gimlet well.
You might also consider one of my other favorite gins, Gray Whale Gin. It's newer to the market and it has quickly found a home in my liquor cabinet.
Of course, old standbys like Hayman’s, Tanqueray, Sipsmith, and Bombay Sapphire will also do the trick quite nicely. Play around and find your favorite!
You know my favorite part about a cranberry garnish? Once they stop floating you know it’s a time for a refill!
If you're digging the cranberry, definitely take time to check out my boozyholiday punchtoo. It's guaranteed to make any holiday party a success!
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FAQs
Cranberry juice is usually labeled "100% juice." Other fruits are sometimes added to balance the tart cranberry taste, but that label indicates that the product is made with 100% fruit juices. Cranberry juice co*cktail, meanwhile, has added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup for extra sweetness.
Does cranberry co*cktail work? ›
As a general rule of thumb, you can prevent the incidence of urinary tract infections by consuming 3 to 16 oz. cranberry juice co*cktail twice daily, as recommended by the U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health.
What is a gimlet made of? ›
The classic Gimlet co*cktail is a three-ingredient masterclass in simplicity and balance. Composed only of gin, lime juice, and sugar, it helped pave the way for countless co*cktails to follow, from the Margarita to the Daiquiri and the Sidecar.
Why is cranberry juice always a co*cktail? ›
The term "cranberry juice co*cktail" or "cranberry juice blend" refers to products that contain about 28% cranberry juice, with the remainder either from other fruit juice concentrates (typically grape, apple or pear), water, and added sugar to improve palatability.
Is cranberry co*cktail good for kidneys? ›
In particular, cranberry juice is thought to help get rid of kidney stones, similarly to how it reduces incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Is it OK to drink 100 pure cranberry juice? ›
To avoid excess consumption of added sugars and maximize the potential benefits of cranberry juice, it is best to choose pure, unsweetened cranberry juice. While cranberry juice is safe for most people, consuming too much can lead to side effects, like upset stomach and diarrhea.
Can you drink too much cranberry juice co*cktail? ›
Although cranberry juice is safe to consume in moderation, drinking too much can cause side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and blood sugar spikes. In the past, it was believed that cranberry juice can slow the growth of bacteria and therefore is useful in treating urinary tract infections.
When should you not drink cranberry juice? ›
If you take aspirin regularly, as a blood-thinner, for example, or if you are allergic to aspirin, you should not take cranberry supplements or drink a lot of juice. Other medications: Cranberry may interact with medications that are broken down by the liver.
What is healthier cranberry juice or cranberry juice co*cktail? ›
Since cranberries are a great source of vitamin C you'll get plenty in both kinds of juice, but you'll have the added benefit of other vitamins and minerals like potassium in the naturally sweetened cranberry juice, thanks to the added fruit. Both can be used interchangeably in recipes.
What is the formula for a gimlet? ›
Place sugar in a shallow dish; dip rim of chilled glass into sugar so rim is coated. Scoop ice into a shaker. Pour gin and lime juice over the ice, and shake well. Pour drink into prepared glass.
The Gimlet is classically stirred but once you've added fresh citrus juice (unless you've clarified your juice) even if stirred this co*cktail won't be perfectly clear. So do as Harry Craddock directs in his 1930 Savoy co*cktail Book and use some elbow grease to shake and invigorate this upper deck's co*cktail.
Is a gimlet a girls drink? ›
If drinks were college coeds, from cardigan-wearing scotch-and-sodas to sorority row cognacs, then the gimlet would be “everyone's girl.” It's classic, straightforward, and always agreeable. Though using gin is the way to go for purists, the Gimlet Girl is totally fine with you using vodka. Or sake, for that matter.
What alcohol goes well with cranberry? ›
You can't go wrong with a classic! Otherwise known as a "vodka cran," the Cape Codder co*cktail is as simple as it gets: vodka and cranberry juice with a lime wedge for garnish. "I loved the tartness of this drink," says reviewer Sarah Jo.
What is simply cranberry co*cktail? ›
Simply Cranberry co*cktail is a deliciously simple take on the tart and sweet flavor of cranberry juice. Containing 27% cranberry juice, never from concentrate, Simply Cranberry Juice co*cktail is made with real cranberry juice and cane sugar, alongside other ingredients, to achieve a perfect balance.
Which is better cranberry juice or cranberry juice co*cktail? ›
If you're only drinking cranberries for your health, it's better to avoid the co*cktail. But if you're drinking it to enjoy the taste, it really depends what you're in the mood for. If you like the tartness of the 100% cranberry then the pure juice is great. However, if you like it a little sweeter, go for the co*cktail.
Is cranberry co*cktail as good as cranberry juice? ›
Since cranberries are a great source of vitamin C you'll get plenty in both kinds of juice, but you'll have the added benefit of other vitamins and minerals like potassium in the naturally sweetened cranberry juice, thanks to the added fruit. Both can be used interchangeably in recipes.
Is Ocean Spray Cranberry co*cktail good for you? ›
Research shows drinking Cranberry Juice co*cktail daily can help maintain urinary tract health and help reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections. In addition, you can get urinary tract health benefits from a variety of other products, including 100% Pure Cranberry Juice.
Does cranberry juice co*cktail hydrate you? ›
The cells also contain lots of great rehydrating minerals such as potassium, sodium, chloride, and calcium, which are important for proper and healthy hydration. So yes, cranberry juice and other fruit juices can be part of staying hydrated.
