Gimlet Cocktail: History, Ingredients, Recipe

A Gimlet is a simple cocktail made from gin and lime juice. It's said to have been created by British Royal Navy surgeons in the early 1800s to prevent scurvy. The lime juice helps boost Vitamin C levels, which can help ward off the disease. The officers enjoyed their gimlets, while sailors received a similar combination containing rum instead of gin.

The origin of the name is a bit murky. Some credit it to Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette, while others credit a common tool to puncture the spirit containing barrels: a gimlet.

Rose's lime juice was the first patented sweet fruit juice preserve. This preserve had a shelf life suitable for long ocean journeys, and many still reach for this bottle when making a gimlet.

Fresh ingredients are best whenever possible. Instead of using juice preserve, try the combination of fresh lime juice and simple syrup (sugar + water).

The gimlet has become a famous cocktail in its own right for any occasion. Although this cocktail calls for gin, every bartender knows you can also make a gimlet with vodka as a substitute. If your guest orders a Gimlet, it is custom to respond with an inquiry of which spirit they would prefer, vodka or gin.

Here's how to make it:

In your shaker, add:

2 oz gin

1/2 oz lime juice

1/2 oz simple syrup

Cover with ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Double strain to coupe or cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Enjoy!