This festive cranberry gimlet lends seasonal sweetness to the classic cocktail. It’s a perfect addition to your next holiday party!
I remember the first time I tried gin; I was not a fan. It smelled faintly of pine trees and the taste wasn’t too far off either.
Fast-forward a few years and I decided to give gin another try. I loved how drinking gin was portrayed on TV – sophisticated and fancy.
I was determined to become fancy with my cocktail drinking.

So I splurged for some good gin and tonic and mixed myself up a cocktail. Not as horrible as the first time, but I was still not completely sold.
I kept ordering them anytime I went out to dinner and slowly I started to love gin. I started to enjoy the juniper taste and loved the slight fizz of the tonic.

While I’m still a loyal gin and tonic drinker I also like to play around with cocktails so I don’t get bored. For this drink I went a little tart with my mixing.
I have always paired my cranberry with vodka but not this time. I took the classic gimlet and gave it the cranberry twist.
This cocktail is slightly sweet and can be changed just based on what cranberry juice you use. Part of the fun is figuring out exactly how you like it best!
This is just one of our many beloved winter gin cocktails!

What is a Gimlet?
A gimlet is a classic gin cocktail made with gin and lime juice. It is tart and that tartness plays so well with the juniper notes of a good quality gin.
It’s a very simple cocktail, slightly sweetened, generally with a bit of simple syrup. The gimlet is a refreshing cocktail that makes for very easy sipping.
With a long history dating back to the mid-19th century, this classic cocktail is generally shaken with ice and then strained into a chilled glass.
Often you’ll find it garnished with a lime wheel, wedge or twist and served straight up though it’s not uncommon to see it served over the rocks as well.
Gin enthusiasts and classic cocktail lovers alike are generally big fans of the gimlet and for very good reason. It’s fresh, tart and utterly delicious.

Cranberry Gimlet Recipe
To make this fruity and festive cranberry gimlet, you will need:
Cranberry Gimlet Ingredients
- Gin – Of course, gin is a must for a gimlet. Use a really great gin and it will make all the difference in this gin cocktail.
- Cranberry juice – I prefer to mix this drink with unsweetened cranberry juice. If you use cranberry cocktail it will give it a slight cranberry taste but will be much sweeter. If you use pure 100% cranberry juice be prepared for a much tarter cocktail. I personally prefer the 100% cranberry juice, but I’m used to its taste so I dig that tart pucker.
- Lime juice – Use freshly squeezed lime juice if you can, or a high quality pre-squeezed lime juice will also work in a pinch.
- Simple syrup – I like to make homemade simple syrup, which is very easy to make. You can also generally find simple syrup in the cocktail mixer section of your grocery store.
- Fresh cranberries – Nothing looks more like the holidays than a garnish of fresh cranberries. While not strictly necessary, they add such a fun pop to the look of this cranberry cocktail recipe.
Gear
- Cocktail shaker and jigger
- Old fashioned glasses or champagne coupes

How to Make a Cranberry Gimlet
Step 1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and then use a jigger or a shot glass to measure and pour the gin over top of the ice.

Step 2. Add the cranberry juice to your cocktail shaker. Again, you can use a sweetened cranberry juice, but I suggest at least trying it with the unsweetened juice, but either way results in a delicious drink!

Step 3. Add the lime juice and simple syrup. You can always add more simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink, but add just a little bit at a time until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

Step 4. Shake until well chilled and pour into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries. Alternately, you can freeze the cranberries in advance for a fun, holiday twist.

What Gin Is Best for a Gimlet?
When it comes to this festive cranberry gimlet recipe or any other gimlet recipe, choosing the best gin is largely a matter of personal preference.
I would always recommend a high quality gin – my personal favorite is Hendrick’s, but truly any good gin will complement the flavors of a gimlet well.
You might also consider one of my other favorite gins, Gray Whale Gin. It’s newer to the market and it has quickly found a home in my liquor cabinet.
Of course, old standbys like Hayman’s, Tanqueray, Sipsmith, and Bombay Sapphire will also do the trick quite nicely. Play around and find your favorite!

You know my favorite part about a cranberry garnish? Once they stop floating you know it’s a time for a refill!
If you’re digging the cranberry, definitely take time to check out my boozy holiday punch too. It’s guaranteed to make any holiday party a success!

If you love this drink, try more of our favorite cranberry cocktails this holiday season!
Planning a dinner party and need some inspiration?
How about looking for a new slow cooker dinner idea?
We’ve got you covered in our ever-growing Facebook group! If you’re not a member yet, why not?!

We’re chatting cooking techniques, dessert ideas, and everything in between. If you’re already a member, invite your friends to join us too!


Cranberry Gimlet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Good Quality Gin
- 1 ounce Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
- 1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
- 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
- Whole Cranberries For garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shakerwith ice and then pour the gin over top of the ice.
- Add the cranberry juice to your cocktail shaker.
- Add the lime juice and simple syrup. For a sweeter cocktail, add additional simple syrup in small amounts until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Shake until ice cold and strain into a coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Notes
- If you use sweetened cranberry juice or juice cocktail you can leave out the simple syrup.