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.
![Raspberry Gimlet | Umami Girl 1200-5](https://images.tworivertheater.org/uploads/2023/04/Raspberry-Gimlet-Umami-Girl-1200-5-1-16x10.jpg)
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.
![Raspberry Gimlet | Umami Girl 1200](https://images.tworivertheater.org/uploads/2023/04/Raspberry-Gimlet-Umami-Girl-1200-600x900.jpg)
![Raspberry Gimlet | Umami Girl 1200-2](https://images.tworivertheater.org/uploads/2023/04/Raspberry-Gimlet-Umami-Girl-1200-2-600x900.jpg)
What you'll need
Here’s a glance at the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe.
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.
![Raspberry Gimlet Step by Step Umami Girl 1200](https://images.tworivertheater.org/uploads/2023/04/Raspberry-Gimlet-Step-by-Step-Umami-Girl-1200-600x900.jpeg)
![Romeo and Juliet for Two River Theater Step by Step Umami Girl 1200](https://images.tworivertheater.org/uploads/2023/04/Romeo-and-Juliet-for-Two-River-Theater-Step-by-Step-Umami-Girl-1200-600x900.jpeg)
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.