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TRT x UmamiGirl: Raspberry Gimlet

by Carolyn Gratzer Cope (UmamiGirl)

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The raspberry gimlet is a gorgeous take on an absolute classic that’s especially great in the spring and summer. Make it with gin or vodka.

Why we love this recipe

The gimlet is a classic for good reason. Bright, tart, a little bit sweet, and a little bit bracing, it’s beautifully spare, with elegant efficiency. Raspberry makes such a natural pairing with lime, so in the spring and summer months I really love to make raspberry gimlets.

This cocktail is:

• A gorgeous ruby color

• Beautifully balanced and strong yet easy to drink

• Amenable to both gin and vodka

• Easy to batch for a party

Plus, I got to turn it into a fun collaboration with one of my favorite local organizations. Scroll down to learn about Umami Girl’s support of Two River Theater and their April, 2023 production of Romeo and Juliet.

What you'll need

Here’s a glance at the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe.

For a classic (gin) gimlet

• You’ll start with a good London dry gin. In this post I’ve pictured Bombay Sapphire. I also tend to have a bottle of either Hendricks or Tanqueray on hand at all times. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Plymouth, The Botanist, and Aviation would make great choices, too. Each has a different flavor profile, but they all work nicely, as will your favorite brand.

• There’s no substitute for freshly squeezed lime juice. It brings a beautiful, fresh brightness to this drink.

• You’ll also need raspberry simple syrup. I’ve included the instructions in the recipe card below, and you can read all about it and see it being made by clicking through to the post if you like.

• Garnish with a thin lime wheel.

For a vodka gimlet

• You’ll start with a top-shelf vodka. I’m using Grey Goose, which has a lovely, toasty vibe and creamy finish and is from France. Belvedere is another great choice. I’m not really on the Tito’s bandwagon, but if you are, that would be a fine option, too.

• There’s no substitute for freshly squeezed lime juice. It brings a beautiful, fresh brightness to this drink.

• You’ll also need raspberry simple syrup. I’ve included the instructions in the recipe card below, and you can read all about it and see it being made by clicking through to the post if you like.

• Garnish with a thin lime wheel.

How to make it

Here’s an overview of what you’ll do to make a beautiful raspberry gimlet. You can see the steps in action in the video that accompanies this post, and get all the details in the recipe card below.

A variation for Romeo and Juliet

Here’s something fun. At the end of 2022, Umami Girl divided the company’s November revenue among six local organizations that I really love, including Two River Theater in Red Bank, NJ. This professional theater company mounts a wide variety of thought-provoking shows each season, has a phenomenal educational program for kids and teens, and consistently serves as a model for inclusion and social justice in our community — all 2.6 miles away from my house.

On opening night of their April, 2023 production of Romeo and Juliet, they’ll feature this cocktail, with a Shakespearian vibe. If you ever find yourself hosting a Romeo and Juliet party, a gimlet with the raspberry simple syrup served in a little vial for guests to pour into the drink would make a fabulous signature cocktail.

To make this variation, shake the gin (for a Juliet) or vodka (for a Romeo) with the lime juice as instructed, and have guests pour in their own raspberry simple syrup and give it a quick stir before sipping. You can buy these 30 ml glass vials with cork stoppers here.

Expert tips and FAQs

Can I batch this cocktail for a party?

Sure thing. To make eight drinks, up to three hours before serving time, combine in a pitcher: two cups gin or vodka, one cup freshly squeezed lime juice, one cup raspberry simple syrup, and ½ cup water. Give it a good stir, cover, and refrigerate. To serve, divide among glasses and garnish individually.

VIEW FULL RECIPE AND INSTRUCTIONS