Liquor.com / Tim Nusog. The very first definition of the word “cocktail” in print (way back in 1806) described a combination of sugar, bitters, water, and spirit. Muddle the cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker until they release their juices and fragrance. Add the gin (or vodka), lime juice, and basil simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a basil leaf. To make one cocktail: Step 2. In chilled cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces gimlet mix, 2 ounces vodka, and 3 to 4 ice cubes. Shake well and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge. Use vodka instead of gin to make a vodka elderflower gimlet. Make it spicy. I like adding a little heat to my cocktails and a dash of spicy bitters or some cayenne pepper would go great with this French gimlet. Add some herbs to add more of a botanical note to the drink. Fresh basil or rosemary would be a great addition to the French gimlet. Directions. Add the basil strips, lime zest, lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Crush the basil with a muddler, then let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the liquid to infuse. Add the vodka, then fill the shaker 2/3 full with ice. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Step 1 Combine gin, simple syrup and lime juice in a shaker. Shake for 10 to 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with lime zest over top and a lime wheel In a saucepan, add salted pistachios and equal parts honey and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then turn off the heat. Cover and let cool and steep in the pan for 1 to 2 hours. Strain out the pistachios and bottle in a jar with a tight-sealing lid. Store in the refrigerator. Instructions. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, St. Germain, lime juice, simple syrup and rose water. Shake vigorously and pour contents, ice and all into a rocks glass filled with ice or a cocktail glass, neat. Garnish with a rose petal. RASPBERRY GIMLET. A straightforward, chilled cordial featuring our Sunset Hills Gin, the Raspberry Gimlet is delightfully delicious. Much like the fruit, this rose-colored sipper is the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Fill a shaker three-fourths full with ice. Add the gin, lime juice and confectioners' sugar; cover and shake for 10-15 seconds or until condensation forms on outside of shaker. Strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with lime. Vodka Gimlet: Substitute vodka for the gin. 8I3U.