Classic and Refreshing Vodka Gimlet

Need a refreshing vodka cocktail for happy hour? This Vodka Gimlet is the perfect option!

With a hint of Rose’s lime juice, this cocktail is more than just straight-up vodka. The slight lime flavor helps this go down smoothly.   

This cocktail is so quick and easy! It's simple enough to serve at happy hour and light enough to enjoy after a busy day.

I’ve made a lot of Vodka Recipes before, but this is, by far, one of my favorites. And it's only 2 ingredients!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I also participate in affiliate programs for other retailers.

Make a Vodka Gimlet

This Vodka Gimlet recipe with Rose’s lime juice is ridiculously easy to make. All you need is a little vodka and a bit of Rose’s lime juice. A pretty coupe glass doesn't hurt.

This elegant vodka recipe is a nice way to calm down after a stressful day.

This may sound like a really stiff drink for some but do not be afraid of it. While it is primarily vodka, it is easier to drink than you might think.

You may be familiar with a gimlet being made with gin, but this classic cocktail got a remake with vodka. Yes, that’s right. Someone somewhere introduced me to the vodka gimlet and I love it this way!

Which Vodka Should I Use?

For this Vodka Gimlet recipe, you want to pick the right vodka. There are many vodka options to use with this classic cocktail.

And because vodka is basically the whole recipe you want to pick the one you like the best. 

For me, I like one that is smooth and doesn't have really harsh burn at the end. You know what I'm talking about. I like Tito's and Prarie Organics. Finlandia, what I used here, is delicious too! 

Which Vodka Has the Least Calories?

Vodka doesn't have a ton of calories in my opinion. And there are only 5 calories in a tablespoon of Rose's Lime Juice. 

Ketel One, Absolut, Belvedere, and Stolichnaya all have 96 calories in a 1 ½ ounce portion. While other vodka brands have a little bit more up to 121 calories per 1 ½ ounce portion. 

For my Vodka Gimlet I used Finlandia vodka which has 97 calories. 

How Many Calories in A Vodka Gimlet

So as you can from above, this answer will vary depending on what type of vodka you use. 

Since I used Finlandia and 2 tablespoon of Rose's Lime Juice, this Vodka Gimlet is 139 calories. 

How to Make Vodka Gimlet

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz vodka, chilled
• 2 tablespoon Rose’s lime juice

That's it. 

The key to making this drink extra delicious is to make sure your ingredients are pre-chilled. If they start out cold and then shake them with ice, it’s heaven!

This cocktail has just a touch of sweetness making this 2 ingredient cocktail super easy to drink.

I love to use Drizly to get my cocktail ingredients. I've amassed quite a bar set up over the last few years but whenever I am out of something or want to try something new I use Drizly. 

Drizly legit has everything and delivers it to your door in about an hour! YES! And you can get $5 off your first order of at least $20 by using my affiliate link below.

$5 off your first order (min cart 20)

Directions: 

1. To a cocktail shaker, add vodka and lime juice.
2. Add ice.
3. Shake well. Strain into a coupe glass

The reason you want to add the ice to the cocktail shaker is that it has less of a chance to dilute the ingredients. 

An aggressive shake of the ingredients and ice will make icy magic.

Should You Freeze Your Vodka?

Many people keep their vodka in the freezer in order to get their drinks to be really cold. It makes total sense. I think this is a personal preference. 

Unless you are in the vodka or cocktail industry and have a scientific background to inform your decision, I don't think it hurts anything to keep it in the freezer. 

It has been said that the freezer actually helps cheap vodka taste better (less burn, a little bit smoother). So if your vodka is "better" you may lose some of the flavors that makes it taste great when frozen. 

As I tend to use vodka in mixed drinks, you don't taste the full flavor profile of vodka anyway so freezing ensures a super cold drink to enjoy. 

But you do you. 

How to Make This a Skinny Vodka Gimlet

With this cocktail being about 100 calories, I think that's pretty low in terms of what some cocktails can end up being. 

But you can turn this into a Skinny Vodka Gimlet pretty easily. 

Just skip the Rose's Lime Juice and use fresh lime juice instead. This will make it a little more tart. You can still add back in a tiny bit of simple syrup, honey or agave for sweetness which will add back in more calories. 

I love this Gimlet recipe! I didn't think I would because I typically like Moscow Mules which have more ingredients and not just vodka.

But it's super refreshing and is quickly becoming my go-to drink for happy hour.

This would also be a great before dinner cocktail while entertaining guests or during a happy hour with friends.

More Cocktail Recipes

• Try this Cucumber Gimlet Cocktail with Vodka during the summer season for a cool down. 
• The best vodka mojito recipe can bring another flavorful option to your happy hour.
• Not feeling this Vodka Gimlet? Give this Bourbon Champagne Cocktail a try instead.
• All my Vodka Recipes in one spot! Check them out! 

Printable Recipe for Vodka Gimlet

Pin this Vodka Gimlet Recipe for later

This Vodka Gimlet is a classic cocktail that you need to make right now! I know you're going to love it!