Updated on: 6/3/2025
Yard House French Gimlet: What Makes This Modern Classic Stand Out?
The French Gimlet delivers a crisp twist on gin classics, and at Yard House, this cocktail is a star of their fresh, modern drinks menu. Many visitors encounter the French Gimlet here for the first time and find it distinct from the original. What’s behind its unique appeal? Understanding how Yard House reinterprets this cocktail shows why some cocktails gain a devoted following—and why this one has become a guest favorite.
What Is a French Gimlet?
The traditional French Gimlet is a riff on the classic gimlet—typically gin, lime juice, and sugar. The French twist adds St-Germain elderflower liqueur, which softens the drink and lends a floral, slightly fruity note without overwhelming the botanical gin base. It’s known for complexity, balance, and a smooth finish.
- Gin — aromatic and juniper-forward
- Fresh lime juice — for tartness and freshness
- St-Germain — floral elderflower liqueur
How the Yard House French Gimlet Differs
Yard House’s take on the French Gimlet stays close to the original, but has a few important differences that set it apart. Rather than using a gin with strong juniper notes, Yard House usually features a smooth, approachable gin, aiming for balance over boldness. Their recipe also uses slightly more St-Germain, highlighting elderflower notes—it tastes rounder and more aromatic than many ‘stiff’ versions.
- Gin, not vodka — keeps botanical character but less pronounced than some craft bars
- Higher St-Germain proportion, which creates a sweeter, pronounced floral aroma
- Always made with fresh lime juice (never bottled)
- Shaken and served straight up, usually in a coupe or martini glass
This approach balances accessibility (easy-drinking, welcoming flavors) with just enough complexity to stand out on a busy drinks menu.
Yard House French Gimlet Recipe (ml Conversion)
While Yard House doesn’t publish its exact recipe, careful tasting and bartender know-how help reconstruct a close version. Here’s how to make it at home using standard ml measures, replicating their balanced, aromatic style.
- 60 ml gin (smooth, not overly herbal)
- 30 ml St-Germain elderflower liqueur
- 22.5 ml fresh lime juice
- Lime wheel or twist for garnish
- Add gin, St-Germain, and lime juice to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake hard for about 12–15 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a fresh lime wheel or twist.
What Makes the Yard House Version Popular?
It’s no accident that the Yard House French Gimlet has become a menu staple. Its popularity rests on a few practical reasons:
- The floral edge from St-Germain is approachable for those who don’t usually order gin drinks.
- Balanced sweetness and acidity—refreshing without being harsh or overly tart.
- Served up and icy cold, it’s easy to sip year-round.
- The recipe works equally well as a base for experimentation. Flavored gins, fresh herbs, or an aromatic bitters dash can add yet another layer if making it at home.
The Yard House French Gimlet strikes the right chord between trendy and timeless—a drink that both cocktail newcomers and aficionados order repeatedly, chasing that unmistakable blend of botanicals, citrus, and floral liqueur in perfect proportion.