The Recipe · No.1064 · Virgin Gimlet (Gimlet Mocktail)
Virgin Gimlet (Gimlet Mocktail), and where to source it
With the gin's backbone gone, the botanicals have to come from somewhere, so lean on a zero-proof gin with real juniper and pair it with fresh lime plus a little sugar. A bare lime-and-water build tastes hollow; the herbal base is what makes it a gimlet.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cook0 min
Makesmakes 1
CuisineSour
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Fresh lime juice
Squeezed to order. In a spare drink like this the lime is exposed, so it has to be bright.
0.75 ozrecommended
Local / market
Simple syrup
One-to-one sugar syrup made ahead. It stands in for the sweetness of a classic lime cordial.
0.5 ozrecommended
Local / market
Non-alcoholic gin alternative
A zero-proof gin brings the juniper and citrus-peel botanicals that carry this drink; a flat one leaves it tasting like limeade.
2 ozrecommended
Local / market
Lime wheel
One thin wheel to garnish, cut fresh so it lays flat.
1 wheelrecommended
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
CombineAdd lime, simple syrup, and the zero-proof gin to a shaker and taste before icing to check the sweet-sour balance.
ShakeFill with ice and shake hard for ten seconds until frosted.
StrainDouble-strain up into a chilled coupe and float a lime wheel.
Can you make Virgin Gimlet (Gimlet Mocktail) in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze Virgin Gimlet (Gimlet Mocktail)? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Virgin Gimlet (Gimlet Mocktail) ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is Virgin Gimlet (Gimlet Mocktail) gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Virgin Gimlet (Gimlet Mocktail) vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
Made it, tweaked it, or recognize which restaurant this tastes like? Leave a note — first-name basis, no account.