India Gimlet Recipe

Crush cardamom

Lightly crush the green cardamom pod with the flat side of a knife or a muddler until it splits open and releases aroma. Remove seeds from pod if you prefer stronger flavor, leaving seeds lightly bruised.

Cilantro prep

Pick two fresh cilantro leaves and give them a quick clap between your palms to release oils. Set aside.

Combine ingredients

In a cocktail shaker add the gin, fresh lime juice, Indian-style tonic syrup (or Indian tonic concentrate), simple syrup, the crushed cardamom (and seeds if used), and the cilantro leaves.

Muddle gently

Gently muddle the cilantro and cardamom in the shaker 4–6 times — enough to release aromatic oils but not to pulverize the herbs.

Add ice and shake

Add a generous scoop of ice to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold and slightly frosted.

Double strain

Double-strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or martini glass using a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to remove cardamom bits and cilantro fragments.

Optional tonic top

If using, gently float about 1 oz chilled Indian tonic water on top to add effervescence and a bitter quinine lift. Pour slowly over the back of a spoon.

Garnish & serve

Express a lime twist over the drink to release oils, run it around the rim, and drop it into the glass (or use a wheel). Optionally gently slap a cilantro leaf and rest it on the surface for aroma. Serve immediately.