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The fascinating history of the gimlet – a cocktail beloved for its balanced blend of gin’s botanical notes and the zesty, citrusy punch of fresh lime juice, date back to the early 20th century. Appreciated for its clean, crisp characteristics, the cocktail was first mentioned as a mix of gin, lime and soda, and eventually as equal parts of gin and Rose’s lime juice. Today, the most famous gimlet recipe is two parts gin to one part lime, served topped off with soda water. The contemporary version was popularized in Raymond Chandler’s 1953 novel, The Long Goodbye, where the protagonist insists that a true gimlet is made in the manner suggested.
While the origin of the cocktail’s name is debated, it was possibly derived from a drilling tool’s ‘piercing effect’ or linked to Sir Thomas Gimlette, a navy surgeon who added lime cordial to the Royal Navy’s gin ration, in order to prevent the sailors from contracting scurvy – a dental disease due to a vitamin C deficiency. Here’s how you can recreate this cocktail at home. If you’re looking to elevate your drink, use some fresh herbs like a sprig of rosemary or basil, mint leaves or even a slice of orange. You could also get creative with flowers like lavender or pansies to make it aesthetically appealing.
Ingredients
- 60 ml gin
- 21 ml lime juice
- 21 ml simple syrup
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Method
- Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake thoroughly to mix.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and serve garnished with a wedge of lime.
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Vodka Gimlet
A refreshing spin on the classic, known for its simplicity and bold lime flavour, combine vodka, lime juice and simple syrup for a zesty and slightly sweet drink with a citrusy kick. It’s a classic choice for those who appreciate the refreshing taste of lime and the smoothness of vodka.
Cucumber Gimlet
Add muddled cucumbers to the classic gimlet to elevate the refreshing properties of the drink. For the cucumber’s flavour to shine through, it’s best to use a light, floral gin. Finish off your cocktail by adding a cucumber wheel as garnish.
South Side
The South Side Gimlet is a delightful variation that infuses the traditional blend of gin, lime juice and simple syrup with fresh mint leaves and a touch of soda water. This gives the cocktail a crisp, herbaceous character with a hint of effervescence.
