• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Emily Laurae
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolio
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Father's Day
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Portfolio
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Father's Day
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Portfolio
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Beverages

    Blackberry & Lilac Gin Gimlet

    Published: May 6, 2021 · Modified: Jan 4, 2023 by Emily Laurae · This post may contain affiliate links.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Shake up a Blackberry and Lilac Gin Gimlet just in time for spring! Homemade blackberry lilac syrup infuses a fruity and floral spin on a classic gin gimlet recipe. This recipe makes one cocktail but is easy to double. 

    Blackberry & Lilac Gimlet in a coupe glass.
    Jump to:
    • Lilac gin cocktail recipe
    • What is a gin gimlet?
    • Ingredient notes
    • How to make a blackberry and lilac gin gimlet
    • Tips and tricks
    • The golden cocktail ratio
    • Variations
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More gin cocktails
    • Blackberry & Lilac Gimlet
    • 💬 Comments

    Lilac gin cocktail recipe

    Are you ready to celebrate spring? This Blackberry and Lilac Gin Gimlet is the perfect quick and easy drink to impress guests at your next garden party or spring gathering. No bartending experience needed!

    These step-by-step instructions will show you how to make a blackberry lilac gimlet just like the professionals. Imagine a pleasantly tart blackberry gimlet infused with a sweet and botanical lilac flavor. The best part? You only need three ingredients: blackberry and lilac syrup, fresh lime juice, and gin! 

    What is a gin gimlet?

    This prohibition-era cocktail recipe is made with gin and sweetened lime juice. A gin gimlet can be tart and botanical, but vodka can always be used instead to tone down the floral flavors. 

    This recipe is similar to the classic but has a twist from the delicate lilac and blackberry syrup infusion. It’s the perfect springtime sip!

    Lilac simple syrup.

    Ingredient notes

    • Gin - Gin’s notorious botanical flavor comes from juniper berries and other herbs. Any brand of gin you enjoy drinking can be used in a gimlet recipe. Plymouth is the OG gimlet gin but Hendrick’s, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, and Seagrams are also great options.
    • Blackberry and lilac simple syrup - The sweet and floral lilac aromas pair perfectly with tart blackberries in this custom simple syrup. All you need to make it is granulated sugar, water, blackberries, and lilac petals. The cocktail becomes a deep magenta color when lime juice and blackberry lilac syrup are combined.

    For more info on infusing simple syrups with flavors, check out my guide here!

    • Lime juice - Freshly squeezed lime makes a world of difference. Yes, you can use bottled lime juice, but it’s nowhere near as vibrant and acidic. 
    • Garnish - Lilacs are both beautiful and edible, making them the perfect garnish for lilac cocktails. You can also drop a fresh blackberry or two into your glass. 
    Making Blackberry & Lilac Simple Syrup in a saucepan.
    Straining Blackberry & Lilac Simple Syrup into a bowl.

    How to make a blackberry and lilac gin gimlet

    Step 1: Shake the cocktail. Add the gin, lime juice, and blackberry and lilac simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with a scoop of ice. Shake until the outside of the shaker feels ice cold.

    Step 2: Strain and serve. Strain the liquid into a stemmed glass and garnish with fresh lilac flowers. Enjoy!

    Blackberry & Lilac GimletBlackberry & Lilac Gimlet in a Coupe Glass.

    Tips and tricks

    • Make it bubbly - Give your lilac gin cocktail some fizz and top it off with a splash of club soda (or lemon-lime soda) after straining it into the glass. 
    • Make in frothy - The trick to building thick, frothy drinks (like this clementine and blood orange gin sour) is to add an egg white. Add all of the ingredients to your cocktail shaker plus 1 egg white. Dry shake (no ice) until combined. Add ice and shake until chilled before straining into your glass. 
    • No cocktail shaker at home? Use a sealed mason jar, spill-proof mug, or a blender bottle instead.

    The golden cocktail ratio

    When I make homemade cocktails, I’m ultimately looking for the “golden ratio” of bitter, sour, and sweet. As a general rule of thumb, follow the ratio listed below to build complex, full-bodied mixed drinks:

    • 2 parts alcohol (gin, rye, vodka, rum)
    • 1 part sour (lemon juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice)
    • 1 part sweet (simple syrup, sweet vermouth, flavored syrups, compote, cordial, flavored liqueur)

    Variations

    Revamp your gimlet by swapping the blackberry and lilac syrup for a different flavored syrup. See below for ideas:

    • Rosemary blackberry gimlet
    • Elderflower gin gimlet
    • Mint gimlet
    • Basil gimlet

    For these simple syrup recipes plus a bunch more, check out my simple syrup infusion guide.

    Blackberry & Lilac GimletBlackberry & Lilac Gimlet in a Coupe Glass

    Frequently asked questions

    Where do I get fresh lilacs?

    If you’re looking for fresh culinary-grade lilacs, check your local farmer’s market, grow them yourself, or you can order them online from a specialty shop. 

    In some places, lilac grows like weeds in the spring and summertime. The flowers from a lilac bush that hasn’t been exposed to toxins or pesticides are completely edible. Be sure to wash the flowers thoroughly before using them in drinks. 

    Can I make a gin gimlet mocktail? 

    A blackberry gimlet without alcohol is technically just lime juice and syrup, but try replacing the gin with lemon-lime soda if you want to make something similar for the non-drinkers. Instead of shaking, build the drink in a glass over ice and stir. 

    What can I use instead of gin?

    Vodka! Traditionally gimlets are made with gin but vodka is a common variation. 

    More gin cocktails

    • Blueberry and Black Current Cocktail
    • Lemon Lavender Sour 
    • Passionfruit Gin Fizz
    • Cranberry Gin and Tonic

    As always, I love seeing your creations and hearing from you! If you try this recipe, please leave a review or share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter!

    Blackberry & Lilac Gimlet

    A sweetened version of a traditional Gin Gimlet due to the addition of homemade Blackberry and Lilac simple syrup! 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Course: Cocktails
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 Cocktail
    Calories: 176kcal
    Author: Emily Laurae

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker or Container with Lid
    • Glass for serving

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 oz Gin
    • 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
    • ½ oz Blackberry & Lilac Simple Syrup
    • Lime Juice
    • Lilac flowers for garnish, optional

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake until liquid is chilled
      2 oz Gin, 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice, ½ oz Blackberry & Lilac Simple Syrup, Lime Juice
    • Strain into your glass and garnish with lilac flowers
      Lilac flowers for garnish

    Notes

    Frequently asked questions
    Where do I get fresh lilacs? If you’re looking for fresh culinary-grade lilacs, check your local farmer’s market, grow them yourself, or you can order them online from a specialty shop. 
    In some places, lilac grows like weeds in the spring and summertime. The flowers from a lilac bush that hasn’t been exposed to toxins or pesticides are completely edible. Be sure to wash the flowers thoroughly before using them in drinks. 
    Can I make a gin gimlet mocktail?  A blackberry gimlet without alcohol is technically just lime juice and syrup, but try replacing the gin with lemon-lime soda if you want to make something similar for the non-drinkers. Instead of shaking, build the drink in a glass over ice and stir. 
    What can I use instead of gin? Vodka! Traditionally gimlets are made with gin but vodka is a common variation.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 43mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 14IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Enjoyed this recipe?Mention @emilylaurae or tag #emilylaurae!

    More Beverages

    • How to Make Strawberry Vodka
    • Vanilla Raspberry Beer Float
    • How To Make A Delicious Bourbon Sidecar (With Step By Step Photos)
    • Simple Lemon Drop Shot Recipe

    About Emily Laurae

    Emily is the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Emily Laurae. After finishing Pastry School and working as a chef in the restaurant industry, she created this blog to share those skills with home bakers and creators all over the world!

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    HELLO MY FRIENDS, I'M EMILY!

    Welcome to my blog, where I'm sharing a collection of my favorite recipes, tips and tricks for you to create and enjoy in your home kitchen! I'm a professionally trained pastry chef, recipe developer and food photographer currently living in Los Angeles - looking forward to baking with you!

    ✨ Learn More About Emily ✨

    Father's Day Recipes

    • Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies
    • How to Make Strawberry Simple Syrup
    • Fudge Brownie Ice Cream
    • Summer Fruits with Tajin
    • White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies
    • Brown Butter Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Trending Recipes

    • How to make Sourdough Bread (Dutch Oven Method)
    • 15+ Flavored Simple Syrup Recipes for Cakes, Cocktails, Coffee, & More!
    • How to make Sugared Berries
    • Chewy Molasses Cookies with Candied Ginger Stack
      Chewy Molasses Cookies with Candied Ginger
    • Medicine Ball (5 Minute Starbucks Copycat Hot Tea Recipe)
    • The Ultimate Sourdough Grilled Cheese Sandwich

    FEATURED ON

    Featured image including martha stewart, sur la table, southern living,walmart and albertsons.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Page
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
    • Photography Gear Guide
    • Shop

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up so you're the first to know about new recipes, kitchen tips, and events!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Classes & Events
    • Collaborations & Partnerships
    • Special Orders

    Copyright © 2023 Emily Laurae of ACD Studio - All Rights Reserved