Gimlet
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
The Gimlet is a classic, crisp cocktail traditionally made with gin and sweetened lime juice, served chilled in a coupe or martini glass. Its taste is a sharp, refreshing balance of botanical gin and bright, tart citrus, with a smooth, clean finish. Nutritionally, it is a low-calorie, virtually fat-free drink, primarily providing quick energy from its sugar content.
Calorie split: 2% protein · 97% carbs · 1% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the Gimlet for its elegant simplicity and perfect balance of sour and sweet, making it a timeless palate cleanser. Its versatility allows for easy modern twists, like using different gins or artisanal lime cordials, while its association with naval history and classic literature gives it a sophisticated cultural cachet.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary downside is its high sugar content from the lime cordial or simple syrup, which can cause a rapid blood-sugar spike, especially for those monitoring their intake. To counteract this, opt for a 'dry' version with less sweetener, use a sugar-free lime syrup, or pair the drink with a protein-rich snack like nuts or cheese to slow sugar absorption. Those with citrus allergies should also avoid it.
Key benefits
- Low in calories (188 kcal per 100g)
- Contains negligible fat and protein
- Provides a quick source of carbohydrate energy
- Refreshing and hydrating due to its high liquid content
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Gimlet is famously linked to the British Royal Navy, where lime juice was issued to sailors to prevent scurvy; the cocktail was said to be a way to make the medicinal lime juice more palatable.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 70.2 g |
| Energy | 188 kcal |
| Protein | 0.10 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.03 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.10 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.5 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 3.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.05 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 2.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 6.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 29.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.05 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.02 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 7.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.04 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 7.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.10 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 24.6 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
What is the difference between a Gimlet and a Daiquiri?
A Gimlet is traditionally made with gin and sweetened lime juice, while a Daiquiri is made with rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar. The spirit base and the type of sweetener (cordial vs. simple syrup) are the key differences.
Can I make a Gimlet without alcohol?
Yes, a 'Virgin Gimlet' or 'Nojito' can be made by substituting the gin with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or a splash of vinegar for botanical notes, mixed with lime juice and sweetener.
Is a Gimlet a strong drink?
A standard Gimlet is moderately strong, typically containing about 2 ounces (60ml) of gin, which is around 40% ABV. The final drink's strength depends on the ratio of gin to sweetener and ice dilution.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 1.88 kcal/g · 0% calories from protein · 0.1 g fiber · 3.5 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 0.03 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.