The gimlet is a classic gin-based cocktail that is made by infusing gin with lemon cordial. This drink is cherished all over the world for its effervescent and citrusy flavour that leaves one feeling satiated and refreshed. Crafting this drink may seem simple and straightforward; all you must do is shake the ingredients well in a cocktail shaker and strain them over chilled ice into a glass. Top the drink off with a lime wheel or a lime twist, and you’re basically set to enjoy the drink.
It sounds easy-peasy, doesn’t it? However, several factors could affect the quality of your drink, preventing it from being an absolute crowd-pleaser. These factors can range from poor-quality ingredients to the use of incorrect ratios of the different components of the drink. It is inconsequential whether you are an experienced mixer or just starting out; anybody can make newcomer mistakes. Here are some tips to help prevent you from making newcomer mistakes and craft a perfect glass of gimlet.
Check The Quality Of Your Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients is of vital importance, as they will dictate how delicious or so-so your gimlet will turn out. Ensure that you use fresh and premium quality ingredients in your drink because they will certainly enhance the taste of your drink. In fact, it is recommended to use a homemade cordial as homemade ingredients are typically bursting with flavour as they haven’t been diluted, which may be the case with store-bought cordials.
Select The Right Kind Of Gin
A good gin is the basis of a tasty and luscious gimlet; therefore, it is critical to choose the right kind of gin for your drink. Try to avoid super-complex or flavoursome gins, as they could mess with the refreshing simplicity of the gimlet. Generally, it is recommended to use gins with juniper-forward profiles, as they infuse the gimlet with a fusion of fruity and robust flavours without overpowering the drink.
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Get The Ratios Correct
A traditional gimlet typically uses a 2:3 ratio of gin to lime cordial. Therefore, you must ensure that the two ingredients have been added in the correct proportions, or else it could throw off the balance of the entire drink. You can always tweak the proportions based on yours or your guests’ personal tastes but try to avoid using lots of sweeteners, as that could overpower your drink.
Use Homemade Lemon Juice
Freshness is integral to concocting an enchanting gimlet. That’s why you should avoid buying bottled lemon juice directly from the market or a grocery store. Instead, take a few minutes to extract your own lemon juice at home. Homemade lemon juice is preferred to its store-bought alternative because bottled lemon juice may be diluted, while freshly squeezed lemon juice is brimming with the citrusy flavours of lemon, packing your gimlet with an exhilarating taste profile.
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Use The Correct Mixing Technique
Confused about whether you should serve your gimlet shaken or stirred? Well, there is no right or wrong answer here, but it is important to know that the mixing method impacts the texture of the drink. Shaking typically adds aeration to the drink and gives it a bubbly texture, while stirring produces a velvety drink that is smooth on the palate. You need to determine which method best suits yours and your guests’ preferences.
Use Good Quality Ice
Although this may sound minor, ice plays a major part in determining the quality of your gimlet. Avoid going for low-quality ice, the kind that melts super quickly, as this could lead to the over-dilution of the drink. Therefore, pick out good-quality ice for your gimlet, as that will help ensure the structural integrity of your gimlet and will also aid in the chilling process.
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Garnish The Drink
Garnishes may not seem important, but they do play an instrumental role in adding a refined touch to your drink. They also aren’t just for decorative purposes either; while they do enhance the visual appeal of the gimlet, they also elevate the drink’s overall fragrance and flavour. Ensure to top off your gimlet with a lemon wedge or a lemon twist; the extra burst of citrus will surely enliven your drinking experience.