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The Essence of the Gimlet

A Cocktail That Never Goes Out of Style

The Gimlet, a cocktail as classic as they come, is the epitome of simplicity and elegance. It’s like that little black dress or a sleek tuxedo that never goes out of fashion.

A Dash of History – The Gimlet’s Naval Origins

Originally a seafarer’s strategy against scurvy, the Gimlet has sailed from British Navy ships to the heart of modern mixology. It’s a drink with a story, a tale of lime and survival on the high seas.

The Classic Recipe – Simplicity at Its Best

  • Ingredients: The traditional Gimlet calls for just gin (or vodka) and lime cordial.
  • Method: Stir the ingredients over ice, strain into a chilled glass, and voila – a cocktail masterpiece.

Gin or Vodka – The Great Debate

While purists swear by gin, vodka lovers praise its clean, crisp finish. The choice is yours – each spirit offers a unique twist on this classic concoction.

Gimlet Cocktail

Gimlet Cocktail Recipe

4.62 from 73 votes
Calories: 131kcal
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
The classic Gimlet is a wonderfully simple and refreshing cocktail that consists of gin, fresh lime juice, and sugar. Categorized as a gin sour, it shares a category with other beloved and time-tested drinks like the Daiquiri, a rum sour.
The exact origin of the Gimlet remains uncertain, but it is believed to have been invented by British sailors in the late 18th century out of necessity. The sailors needed a way to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, so they mixed lime juice with liquor. It didn't take long for them to realize that this concoction was not only beneficial but also incredibly delicious. Thus, while scurvy is now a thing of the past, the Gimlet continues to thrive.
Over time, the Gimlet found its way into cocktail books, including Harry Craddock's iconic "The Savoy Cocktail Book" from 1930, featuring various recipes, ingredients, and proportions. While fresh lime juice is the preferred choice today, for many years, the Gimlet was predominantly made with Rose's lime cordial, a bottled mixture of lime juice and sugar that debuted in the 1860s. If you opt for Rose's in your drink, you can omit the simple syrup since the cordial is already sweetened. Aim for one ounce of Rose's to achieve the desired balance.
It's worth noting that the Gimlet can also be made with vodka, a practice that gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. However, as gin reclaimed its popularity among drinkers, it regained its rightful place in the Gimlet. Gin's natural affinity for lime, along with its dry and botanical nature, adds structure to the cocktail while keeping the sweetness in check. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pour the Gin and lime juice into a mixing glass half-filled with ice cubes. Stir well, Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 131kcal (7%)Carbohydrates: 5g (2%)Protein: 0.4g (1%)Fat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 0.02mgPotassium: 51mg (1%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin C: 20.6mg (25%)
CourseBeverage, Cocktail, Drinks
CuisineBeverage, Cocktail, Drinks
KeywordBeverage Recipe, Cocktail Recipe, Drink Recipe

Personalizing Your Gimlet

The Lime Cordial Conundrum – Store-Bought or Homemade?

The key to a great Gimlet lies in its lime cordial. Opt for a high-quality store-bought version, or better yet, make your own for that extra zing.

Modern Twists – Reinventing the Classic

  • Herbal Hues: Add a sprig of basil or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
  • Fruity Flair: Muddle in some fresh berries for a splash of color and sweetness.

Presentation Perfection – Serving in Style

Serve your Gimlet in a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or zest for that extra touch of elegance.

The Timeless Charm of the Gimlet

The Gimlet, with its rich history and simple sophistication, is more than just a cocktail – it’s a celebration of minimalism and flavor.