cocktail
Frosted Gimlet
The Gimlet’s perfect simplicity shines here, with one seasonal twist: elderflower liqueur swapped for the usual simple syrup. Elderflower adds soft floral notes that complement the crisp lime and botanical gin—ideal for a light, spring patio drink with just enough intrigue to keep the evening interesting.
For a refreshing non-alcoholic variation, use a non-alcoholic gin alternative or skip the gin entirely, doubling the lime juice and adding tonic water. Chill the coupe until frosted—the right glass temperature keeps this drink sharp and balanced.
Do Ahead
Batch the gin and elderflower liqueur mixture up to one day ahead; add fresh lime juice and shake to order for optimal brightness.
Ingredients
- 2.25 oz gin
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur
- Lime wheel, for garnish (Thinly sliced)
What Done Looks Like
This drink should pour with a light, crystal-clear texture—not cloudy—into the glass. The shaker should reach the point where it sweats completely before straining, ensuring the correct dilution and temperature.
Instructions
- 01 Chill a coupe glass in the freezer or with ice water while preparing the cocktail.
- 02 Add gin, fresh lime juice, and elderflower liqueur into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- 03 Shake vigorously for about 12–15 seconds, until the shaker feels icy cold and begins to sweat.
- 04 Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth texture.
- 05 Garnish with a thin lime wheel floated on the surface and serve immediately.
If It Goes Sideways
- Drink tastes too tart, double-check that fresh lime juice wasn’t over-measured—adjust next time by balancing with slightly more elderflower liqueur.
- Texture turns cloudy or muddy, strain more carefully through a fine mesh strainer to remove ice shards or pulp residue.
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