Cranberry Gimlet

Introduction

The Cranberry Gimlet is a vivid, refreshing twist on the timeless gin gimlet, infusing crisp gin with the tart brightness of cranberry. Its jewel-like color and signature balance of sweet and sour flavors make it an outstanding cocktail for holiday gatherings or any occasion when you want to serve something both elegant and simple to concoct.

Deliciously Unique Cranberry Gimlet

What sets the Cranberry Gimlet apart is its lively interplay of botanicals from the gin and the tangy complexity of cranberry. A splash of fresh lime juice ties everything together, making this drink both zesty and smooth—an instant crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact.

Crafting the Perfect Cranberry Syrup

While you can use store-bought cranberry juice, crafting a simple cranberry syrup takes this cocktail to the next level. Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water until they burst, then strain for a syrup that packs pure cranberry flavor. For added depth, toss in a strip of orange zest or a sprig of rosemary while simmering. Let your syrup cool completely before mixing to achieve the ideal chilled, flavorful drink.

Assembling Your Cranberry Gimlet

With your syrup or juice and fresh lime at the ready, fill a shaker with gin, cranberry syrup, lime juice, and plenty of ice. Shake vigorously to blend and chill, then strain into a coupe or rocks glass. Garnish with a twist of lime or a few whole cranberries for a festive finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Cranberry Gimlet

Serve your Cranberry Gimlet in chilled cocktail glasses for the best experience. For a sparkling touch, top with a splash of club soda. Upgrade your garnish with sugared cranberries or a sprig of fresh mint to add visual flair and a complementary aroma. This cocktail pairs wonderfully with party snacks, cheese boards, or light appetizers.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes one generous cocktail. Depending on the gin chosen and the amount of syrup used, a single serving contains about 180 to 220 calories. Enjoy responsibly and be mindful of sweeteners if you’re watching sugar intake.

Deliciously Unique Cranberry Gimlet (Recap)

The Cranberry Gimlet combines the botanicals of gin with the citrusy brightness of lime and the festive tang of cranberry, making it the ultimate cocktail for flavor lovers and entertainers alike.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cranberry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sugar dissolves (about 8–10 minutes). Strain out solids and cool completely before use.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in gin, cranberry syrup (or juice), lime juice, and simple syrup if desired. Adjust syrup for your sweetness preference.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to properly chill and combine the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel or a few whole cranberries. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Cranberry Gimlet is a fantastic cocktail for meal planning—especially during the holiday season or when preparing a signature drink for gatherings. Save and schedule this recipe to add it to your week’s menu and let CookifyAI organize your shopping: it will consolidate all the cocktail and meal ingredients, making your prep and shopping seamless.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates ingredient quantities for the number of servings or guests
• Organizes spirits, produce, and mixers by store section
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Ensures all your drinks and meal components are accounted for

Pro tip: When batching cocktails for a party or matching drinks with food, schedule all your recipes and see overlapping ingredients—like limes for both cocktails and appetizers—so your list is precise and waste is minimized.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus syrup cooling)
Cook Time: 8 minutes (if making syrup)
Total Time: 18–20 minutes (less if using store-bought juice)