Ready to transform a classic gimlet cocktail into a show-stopping drink that’s got a kick AND smoky flavor? This Smoked Gimlet Cocktail is easy and impressive, and with a kiss of smoke, it’s even tastier. Grab your cocktail shaker and your torch, and let’s get mixing!

Smoked Gimlet in a glass with smoke coming off the top of it.

What’s a Smoked Gimlet Cocktail?

A Gimlet cocktail is a classic alcoholic beverage believed to have originated in the British Royal Navy to help prevent scurvy. It is a blend of simplicity and sophistication, typically made using just two main ingredients – gin and lime juice, often sweetened with a bit of simple syrup. A Smoked Gimlet Cocktail is a classic recipe with dramatic and flavorful smoke added to it. You use a smoked cocktail kit to get the perfect balance of smoke.

WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT Smoked Gimlet COcktails

A lick of smoke gives this cocktail so much dramatic flair!
It’s a refreshing cocktail, and this modern twist makes it even better!
Smoked gimlets are easy to make with a smoked cocktail kit!

Ingredients

Gin – Use your favorite gin.
Lime juice – Fresh lime juice.
Simple syrup – See below for how to make simple syrup.
Lime twist – Optional garnish.

You’ll Also Need

Smoked cocktail kit – Complete with wood shavings and torch.
Cocktail shaker

A horizontal shot of a smoked gimlet with a second in the background.

How To Make a Smoked Gimlet Cocktail

Add the gin, simple syrup, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker along with 2-3 ice cubes.
Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass – I like using a martini glass – and smoke it.

How To Smoke Cocktails

First, you need a smoked cocktail kit. These kits come with everything you need to make a smoked cocktail. A good kit will have the following in it:

A small torch – Refillable torches are best.
Wood shavings – Simple kits have 1 kind of wood shaving. More expensive kits can have quite a few different flavors of wood shavings.
A wood tray with mesh insert – The tray will fit over the top of your glass.

Then, mix your cocktail and add some smoke! Here’s how:

Put the wood plate over the top of the cocktail glass and add a pinch or 2 of shavings to the mesh insert.
Torch the shavings, keeping the flame on the shavings until the top of the glass under the wooden plate fills with the desired amount of smoke.
Stop the flame and cap the plate to prevent the smoke from escaping.
Remove the wooden plate when ready to drink.

Chef Jenn's Favorite

Chef Jenn's 50+ Best Smoker Recipes eBook

This full-color ebook cookbook features more than 50 of Chef Jenn’s tried, tested, and favorite smoker recipes! Enjoy:

Smoked Beef Kabobs
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pork Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Smoked Spaghetti Squash with Herbs

and so much more!

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Chef Jenn’s Tips

Make sure to leave room at the top of the glass for the smoke. Don’t fill the cocktail all the way to the top.
You can use vodka instead of gin, if you prefer.

Adjust the sweetness and add a bit more lime juice for a tarter cocktail or a bit more simple syrup if you like it sweeter.

What To Serve With a Smoked Gimlet Cocktail

If you’re enjoying this smoked cocktail along with snacks, try this Bruschetta Board or nibble on British favorites like Cheese Toasties and Beef Wellington Bites. This cocktail is an excellent prelude to main dishes like grilled tomahawk steaks or stuffed salmon.

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