The Gimlet

The Gimlet

Ah, the Gimlet - a classic three ingredient cocktail that is the perfect combination of simplicity and balance. Spirit, citrus, and sugar - the Gimlet paved the way for countless other cocktails including the Margarita and Daiquiri. 

This non-alcoholic version puts The Spirit of Gin front and center, letting its herbal core shine against fresh lime and restrained sweetness. Bright, clean, and composed, it delivers the same taut sour-sweet balance that defines the classic, without anything getting in the way.

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Why This Works

This version succeeds by staying true to that simplicity. Fresh lime provides brightness and tension, simple syrup brings balance without excess, and The Spirit of Gin supplies a clear botanical backbone. Starting with a cold base allows the drink to reach proper temperature quickly, keeping the texture clean and the flavors focused.

About Free Spirits: The Spirit of Gin

The Spirit of Gin is modeled on the softer, earthier profile of Plymouth gin, crafted with real juniper, coriander, and citrus botanicals to deliver balanced juniper, subtle spice, and gentle citrus without turning sharp or medicinal. It has the structure needed for gin cocktails: body to carry tonic and vermouth, smoothness for spirit-forward builds, and brightness to lift citrus in Gimlets and Tom Collins variations. It holds shape and provides backbone alongside bold ingredients like elderflower, cucumber, or aromatic bitters. Performs reliably in Martinis, Negronis, Gin & Tonics, and any cocktail that expects gin with definition and restraint.

The Gimlet, at Its Core

The Gimlet predates many of the cocktails it inspired, establishing a template built on clarity and proportion rather than embellishment. Its structure helped pave the way for later classics like the Daiquiri and the Margarita, all variations on the same enduring idea. When executed well, the Gimlet is less about flair and more about precision.

Zero-Proof Cocktail Basics

What is a zero-proof cocktail?

A zero-proof cocktail is a fully built drink that follows the same principles as any classic: acid, sweetness, aromatics, dilution, and a defined base spirit. The difference is the base is non-alcoholic. When that spirit has enough structure and character, like the ones we make, you get a cocktail that drinks like a cocktail, not a compromise.
How do non-alcoholic spirits work in classic cocktail recipes?

Non-alcoholic spirits step into the role of the base spirit. They carry citrus, sugar, bitters, and dilution the same way their alcoholic counterparts do. Some recipes need small ratio adjustments, but the technique stays the same: build the drink, balance the elements, and let the base spirit define the profile.
Do zero-proof cocktails taste like the originals?

They taste like cocktails: recognizable, structured, and intentional. The goal isn't imitation; it's integrity. When the build is balanced and the spirit has presence, you get the character of the drink without relying on alcohol to do the work.
Can zero-proof cocktails have real complexity?

Yes. Complexity comes from design, not ethanol. A well-built zero-proof cocktail shows layers: aromatics, texture, finish. The craft sits in the composition, not the ABV. The right non-alcoholic spirit brings the structure; the ingredients do the rest.
What is the difference between zero-proof and low-proof cocktails?

Zero-proof cocktails contain no alcohol. Low-proof cocktails blend traditional spirits with non-alcoholic spirits to dial down the ABV while keeping the drink's identity intact. It's the easiest way to keep the ritual, cut the intensity, and stay in full control of the experience.
Why does Free Spirits work so well in both zero-proof and low-proof cocktails?

The Spirit of Gin is built with botanical complexity and enough body to hold vermouth and citrus in balance. Whether you use it as the sole base or split it with traditional gin, it behaves like a true cocktail foundation, keeping the drink crisp, layered, and recognizable.

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