Tequila Gimlet Cocktail

Name: Tequila Gimlet Cocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 ounces tequila blanco; ½ ounce agave nectar; ½ ounce fresh lime juice

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

An easy twist on a classic, this Tequila Gimlet is one refreshing tequila cocktail. Made with fresh lime juice and agave nectar!

A tequila gimlet in a coupe cocktail glass with a lime wheel as garnish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A classic gimlet consists of gin (or vodka), lime juice or lime cordial, and simple syrup harkening back to the late 18th century by British sailors. Tequila, by contrast, adds a distinctive extra dimension to this variation on the classic cocktail.

Classic gimlets are simple to their core, and this tequila gimlet recipe is no different. (My mint gimlet is equally as simple!)
Lime plays a central role in the traditional gimlet recipe. Combine tequila with real lime juice and you have a deliciously winning combo!
Agave syrup gives this drink just the right amount of sweetness to replace using cordial and simple syrup.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.

A bottle of agave nectar, tequlia blanco, and two lime halves on a marble counter.

Tequila blanco - Also known as white tequila or silver tequila. The clear liquor blends nicely with the other flavors and allows each ingredient in this drink to shine. Don't have tequila? While it changes the flavor profile, vodka, gin, or white rum can be substituted.

Fresh lime juice - Fresh is best but you can also use store-bought 100% juice. Rose's Lime Juice (also known as Rose's lime cordial) can be substituted, but since it is sweetened, decrease the amount of agave nectar called for by ¼ of an ounce.

Agave nectar - Instead of simple syrup, agave seemed like the perfect natural pairing with tequila. Its syrupy quality lends itself well to take the place of lime cordial. Plus, it allows for skipping the process of making simple syrup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Before you start: Have your ice cubes ready.

Ice and agave nectar in a silver cocktail shaker.

A tequila gimlet with a lime wheel on a wooden platter.

Step 1: Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker followed by tequila, agave syrup, and lime juice. Shake vigorously.

Step 2: Strain mixture into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass and garnish with a lime wheel.

Equipment

Cocktail shaker - A simple shaker works best for this cocktail recipe. If you don't have a shaker on hand, the drink can be stirred in a mixing glass with ice and then strained with a fine mesh sieve.

Jigger - Use this to measure the tequila, juice, and agave nectar. Don't have a jigger? That's okay. Use a one-cup liquid measuring cup with ounces marked instead.

Coupe glass - Serve this tequila gimlet recipe in a coupe glass or martini glass. Any stemmed chilled cocktail glass will do.

A tequila cocktail in a coupe cocktail glass sitting on a wooden tray.

FAQs

How do you serve a gimlet?

You can serve a gimlet straight up or on the rocks.

What glass do you serve a gimlet in?

Gimlets are traditionally served in a coupe glass, but a martini glass can be used as well.

Are gimlets shaken or stirred?

A gimlet can be shaken or stirred until chilled.

Easy Cocktail Recipes

Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!