Scarlet Zest Gimlet

Welcome the vibrant energy of spring with a cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is refreshing: the Ruby Red Gimlet. This delightful concoction is the ideal choice to celebrate new beginnings, sunny afternoons, and festive gatherings.

Ruby Red Gimlet cocktail in a glass, garnished with a mint leaf, set against a bright, fresh backdrop

Disclosure: This post is created in partnership with Drizly. As always, all opinions and the passion for crafting delicious cocktails are 100% my own.

The Ultimate Ruby Red Gimlet: Your Perfect Spring Cocktail for Celebrations

As the chill of winter recedes, a refreshing wave of warmth and vibrancy sweeps through, signaling the arrival of spring. This season of renewal brings with it a desire for brighter flavors, lighter meals, and, of course, captivating cocktails that mirror the beauty of the awakening world. From blooming gardens to sun-drenched afternoons, spring is an invitation to celebrate new beginnings and cherished moments. And what better way to toast to these occasions than with a perfectly crafted drink that embodies the season’s joyful spirit?

Close-up view of a Ruby Red Gimlet cocktail with ice, mint, and a slice of grapefruit

Embracing Spring with the Ruby Red Gimlet: A Recipe for Joy

Today, I am absolutely thrilled to unveil my new favorite spring cocktail, a drink designed to become the star of your seasonal entertaining: the Ruby Red Gimlet. With Easter just a few short weeks away, my meticulous side is already in full planning mode for the perfect menu, and no festive spread is complete without a special signature cocktail. This vibrant gimlet was born from a desire to create something truly extraordinary, adhering to my key criteria for a perfect spring libation:

  • **Aesthetic Appeal:** It had to possess a striking, beautiful color that instantly evokes the freshness and warmth of spring. The ruby red hue certainly delivers!
  • **Freshness Factor:** Incorporating fresh fruit was paramount to ensure a bright, natural, and invigorating taste.
  • **Gin Excellence:** It absolutely had to feature my beloved Hendrick’s Gin, renowned for its distinctive and refined botanical profile.

The Ruby Red Gimlet flawlessly meets all these expectations and surpasses them, offering a delightful sensory experience from the first glance to the last sip. Its enticing color is just the beginning; the real magic lies in its harmonious blend of ingredients.

A selection of Ruby Red Gimlet ingredients including Hendrick's Gin, grapefruit, limes, and fresh mint

The Distinctive Charm of Ruby Red Grapefruit

At the heart of this exquisite cocktail lies the star ingredient: freshly squeezed Ruby Red grapefruit juice. This particular varietal of grapefruit is celebrated for its unparalleled balance of sweetness and tang, often being less bitter than its pink or white counterparts. Its rich, almost sunset-like color infuses the gimlet with a captivating visual appeal, making it an instant conversation starter. Flavor-wise, the Ruby Red grapefruit introduces a juicy, complex citrus note that perfectly complements the botanicals in the gin, creating a drink that is both incredibly refreshing and deeply satisfying. This fresh juice not only tastes fantastic but also brings a dose of vitamin C, adding a wholesome touch to your indulgence.

Why Hendrick’s Gin Elevates the Gimlet Experience

For any gimlet, the choice of gin is paramount, and for this Ruby Red variation, Hendrick’s Gin is simply non-negotiable. What sets Hendrick’s apart is its unique distillation process and its signature infusion of cucumber and rose petals alongside its traditional juniper and eleven other botanicals. This distinctive character introduces subtle floral and refreshing nuances that dance beautifully with the zesty grapefruit and lime. The result is a gin cocktail that feels remarkably smooth, elegantly complex, and exceptionally well-rounded. Hendrick’s doesn’t just add alcohol; it adds an intricate layer of flavor that transforms the Ruby Red Gimlet into a truly sophisticated and unforgettable spring drink.

The masterful combination of Hendrick’s Gin, the luscious Ruby Red grapefruit juice, the crisp acidity of fresh lime, a hint of sweet simple syrup, and the invigorating aroma of fresh mint creates an absolutely fabulous medley of flavors. This cocktail is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can combine to produce something truly spectacular. And yes, “recipe testing” this one was an absolute joy!

A beautifully garnished Ruby Red Gimlet cocktail in a coupe glass, ready to be enjoyed

Seamless Convenience with Drizly: Your Home Bar, Delivered

In our busy lives, convenience is key, especially when planning for entertaining or simply restocking your bar essentials. This is where my trusted partners at Drizly shine, simplifying the entire process of acquiring your favorite beverages. If you’re not yet familiar with their service, prepare to be impressed!

Drizly operates by partnering with local liquor stores and retailers to bring an extensive selection of beer, wine, spirits, and various extras directly to your doorstep. Picture this: you’re craving a Ruby Red Gimlet, realize you’re out of gin or fresh grapefruit juice, and with a few clicks, your ingredients are on their way. This on-demand delivery service offers unparalleled ease, saving you valuable time and effort. It’s truly a game-changer for those who appreciate efficiency and seamless planning.

Beyond the incredible convenience, Drizly provides competitive pricing and an impressive catalog, often allowing you to browse options from multiple local vendors. This means you have access to a vast selection that might not be available at a single store, empowering you to discover new favorites or find the exact bottle you’re looking for. For anyone looking to streamline their beverage shopping, Drizly is an essential resource worth exploring.

Ruby Red Gimlet cocktails elegantly displayed on a custom walnut serving board

Enhancing Your Presentation: The Craftsmanship of Michael’s Woodcraft

While the taste of a cocktail is paramount, the visual presentation significantly contributes to the overall drinking experience. And speaking of elevating aesthetics, I’m absolutely delighted to share a special piece that has become a beloved addition to my serving collection: a stunning walnut serving board handcrafted by my friend Michael at Michael’s Woodcraft. I frequently receive questions from you, my readers, about where I source the unique props featured in my posts, and this exquisite board is definitely one I knew I had to highlight!

I have followed Michael’s work for many years and am continually inspired by his dedication to quality and his exceptional artistry. His commitment to traditional woodworking is evident in every curve and grain of this piece. The walnut wood itself is simply breathtaking—rich, deep, and warm, providing a sophisticated backdrop for any culinary or cocktail display. What truly makes this board personal and cherished is the meticulous engraving, flawlessly replicating the exact font from my blog. This level of customization adds an intimate touch, making it not just a serving piece, but a piece of functional art.

Investing in handcrafted items like Michael’s serving boards can transform your entertaining, adding a layer of thoughtfulness and elegance that mass-produced items simply cannot replicate. It’s an easy way to elevate your home bar setup and impress your guests, turning every serving moment into a special occasion. I am utterly smitten with it, and I highly recommend exploring Michael’s impressive portfolio for your own unique pieces.

So, let’s raise a glass to the arrival of spring, the joy of crafting exceptional cocktails, and the talented artisans who enrich our lives with their beautiful creations. Cheers, friends – may your spring be filled with delightful sips and cherished memories!

A Ruby Red Gimlet cocktail garnished with fresh mint on a stylish wooden board

Ruby Red Gimlet Recipe: Your Guide to Cocktail Perfection

A vibrant, refreshing, and perfectly balanced gin cocktail, ideal for welcoming spring, Easter celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a splash of elegance.

Close-up image of a Ruby Red Gimlet cocktail garnished with a fresh mint leaf

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 1 cocktail

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

Ingredients

  • 4 fresh mint leaves (plus extra leaves for an elegant garnish)
  • 2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
  • 1 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed Ruby Red Grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 lime, freshly juiced (approximately 1/2 oz.)
  • 1/2 oz. simple syrup (see recipe below)

For the Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare Simple Syrup (if not pre-made): In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately remove from heat. Allow the simple syrup to cool completely to room temperature before using. Store any leftover simple syrup in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to one month.
  2. Muddle Mint: Place 4 fresh mint leaves at the bottom of a sturdy cocktail shaker. Gently press or “muddle” the leaves with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon. The goal is to release the aromatic oils of the mint without tearing or pulverizing the leaves, which can make the drink bitter.
  3. Combine Cocktail Ingredients: Add the 2 oz. of Hendrick’s Gin, 1 1/2 oz. of fresh Ruby Red grapefruit juice, the juice from 1/2 lime (about 1/2 oz.), and 1/2 oz. of the cooled simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.
  4. Shake Vigorously: Fill the cocktail shaker generously with ice cubes. Securely place the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds. This process not only chills the cocktail thoroughly but also properly dilutes and integrates all the flavors.
  5. Serve Chilled: Strain the well-chilled cocktail directly into a chilled coupe glass or martini glass. Using a fine-mesh strainer alongside your cocktail shaker’s strainer can help catch any small mint fragments or ice chips for a cleaner drink.
  6. Garnish: Garnish the finished Ruby Red Gimlet with a fresh mint leaf or a thin, elegant slice or twist of Ruby Red grapefruit to enhance both its aroma and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Crafting the Perfect Ruby Red Gimlet

  • Always Use Fresh Citrus: The cornerstone of any exceptional cocktail is fresh juice. Bottled grapefruit and lime juices will not deliver the vibrant, crisp flavor profile essential for a true gimlet. Squeeze your fruit just before mixing for the best results.
  • Balance Sweetness to Taste: The sweetness of Ruby Red grapefruits can vary. Taste your grapefruit juice beforehand. If it’s particularly sweet, you might reduce the simple syrup slightly. Conversely, if it’s tarter, you might add a tiny bit more to achieve your desired balance.
  • Pre-Chill Your Glassware: For an impeccably cold and refreshing drink, place your coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before preparing the cocktail. This helps keep your drink colder for longer without excessive dilution.
  • Quality Ice Matters: Use fresh, solid ice cubes for shaking. Larger, denser ice cubes melt slower than crushed or old ice, which helps to chill your drink effectively without over-diluting the flavors.

Variations and Customizations for Your Gimlet

  • Sparkling Gimlet: For a delightful effervescence, after straining, top your Ruby Red Gimlet with a splash of soda water, sparkling water, or even a dry sparkling wine.
  • Herbal Infusion: Experiment with infusing your simple syrup with other complementary herbs like rosemary or thyme. A sprig of rosemary simmered in the simple syrup can add an intriguing savory note.
  • Mocktail Delight: To create a delicious non-alcoholic version, simply omit the gin. You might increase the amount of grapefruit and lime juice slightly to maintain the intensity of flavor, or use a high-quality non-alcoholic spirit substitute.