Looking for the BEST gimlet out there? This easy-to-make gin and lychee gimlet is it!
Empress Gin and Lychee Gimlet Cocktail
This gorgeous take on a classic gin gimlet is super yummy and refreshing! It’s made with gin, sweet lychee juice, tangy, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup. I’ve garnished mine with some fresh edible flowers and lychee fruit.
So simple, right? Here’s what you’ll need.
How to Make a Gimlet with Gin
This lychee gin cocktail recipe is simple to make! You only need a few simple ingredients.
- GIN: For this cocktail, I’ve used Empress gin, which is a small-batch micro-distillery in Victoria, British Columbia. (Full disclosure: they sent me two free bottles. And yes, I love them for that!). You can order Empress Gin from BevMo or Sip Whiskey. Or you can use any gin you love. Some of my favorites include Hedrick’s, Rock Rose (from Scotland), as well as Gray Whale, a local California brand.
- LYCHEE: I bought canned lychees from Amazon to make this drink. I used both the lychees and the nectar.
- FRESH LIME JUICE: Tangy lime juice helps balance the cocktail.
- SIMPLE SYRUP: Simple syrup add a bit of sweetness. It’s also super easy to make. I’ve added the directions below. If can also skip adding the simple syrup if you feel you are getting enough sweetness from the lychee nectar.
- FRESH EDIBLE FLOWERS: The pansy flowers are edible, and they come from Gourmet Sweet Botanicals. Make sure you add only edible flowers to your cocktails!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
This cocktail is super easy to make. Here’s what you need to do.
- SHAKE: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and lychee juice and shake well.
- STRAIN: Strain into the sugar-rimmed martini glass.
- SERVE: Garnish and enjoy!
Lychee Gin Cocktail Tips
Here are a few things more tips for making this lychee martini recipe!
- WHY DOES EMPRESS GIN CHANGES COLOR?: The color of Empress gin changes from vivid indigo blue to a delicate soft purple/pink when you add citrus or tonic to it. This is due to the change in the pH of the cocktail. In this case, the lime juice will make it change color.
- HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE SYRUP?: You can easily make it by adding equal parts sugar and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. You don’t want to cook it. Just stir until the sugar is melted. Then let cool to room temperature before using. You can store extra syrup in a sterile, airtight container for up to a month in the refrigerator.
- HELPFUL COCKTAIL TOOLS: Cocktail Shaker | Cute Coupe Glasses
Looking for more gin cocktails? Try these!
GIN SIDECAR WITH EMPRESS GIN
GRAPEFRUIT AND GIN COCKTAIL
RHUBARB GIN AND TONIC SLUSHIES
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Empress Gin and Lychee Gimlet
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
Combine Empress Gin, sweet lychees, and tart lime juice to make this gorgeous and refreshing cocktail.
Ingredients
For the Cocktail:
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons simple syrup
- 2 ounces lychee juice (or nectar)
For Garnish:
- Fresh lychees and lime wedges
- Sugar for rim, optional
Instructions
- SHAKE: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and lychee juice and shake well.
- STRAIN: Strain into the sugar-rimmed martini glass
- SERVE: Garnish and enjoy!
Notes
How to Make Simple Syrup: You can easily make it by adding equal parts of sugar and water (I use 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar) to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. You don’t want to cook it. Just stir until the sugar is melted. Then let cool to room temperature before using. You can store extra syrup in a sterile, airtight container for up to a month in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
17 Comments on Empress Gin and Lychee Gimlet Cocktail
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Love this recipe!
Wow! This cocktail was AMAZING!!! The color was beautiful and it was so refreshing and delicious. Thank you!!!
So glad you liked it!
Amazing cocktail!!! So easy to make and tastes incredible.
So glad you like it! Cheers❤️
Delicious!
So yummy. So glad I found this.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Love it! Thank you.
What do you use to get the sugar to stick to the rim of the glass?
Hi Rick! You can use lime juice, a little simple syrup or even some water. I usually cut a slit in a wedge of lime and then just run it over the rim of the glass. Then I pour some sugar onto a small plate and dip the rim of the glass into the sugar. I will often use superfine sugar for cocktails. Let it dry for a moment or two and then add the cocktail. Hope that helps. Cheers!
Great! That’s easy enough….thank you!
A friend shared with me to use Torani Lychee syrup instead of plain simple syrup. It’s been a big hit! Thank you
HELP.. I decided to make this Empress Gin Lychee Gimlet cocktail on this Friday for a party.. I ordered all ingredients except ” lychee juice (or nectar)”.. where do I find the juice, intime for Friday pls ??
I did order Dynasty Lychee in heavy syrup, don’t know if the syrup will work
Hi, you can find lychee juice or puree at stores including Walmart or on Amazon. You can also use the nectar/syrup that the canned lychees come in. But you might want to adjust for taste (reduce the amount of simple syrup if you find the cocktail too sweet). Hope that helps and that you enjoy the cocktail. Cheers!
Love this recipe it’s the perfect summer cocktail
Just made this tonight on a whim! Modified your recipe to use Empress Gin, Giffard’s Lichi-Li liqueur, fresh lime juice and a little lychee juice (from the can). Simply amazing! This particular likely liqueur is the best on the market! We always stock it in our home bar. Thank you for a great recipe.