The Gimlet

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

A cocktail of historical significance, brilliant in both its simplicity and balance.

What is a Gimlet cocktail, and how do you pronounce its name anyway? Well, for starters, use a hard “g” instead of a “j” sound. How do you make one, the drink I mean? Simple. You take your base spirit, and shake that over ice with lime juice and sugar. Serve it straight up and enjoy. That’s a Gimlet. And it’s also tonight’s cocktail.

The Gimlet is a beverage with a long history. It has its origins in the 1800s, when British sailors in the Caribbean were given rations of limes to ward off scurvy, and sugar and gin to make the medicine go down, so to speak. Over the years the ratio of gin increased and eventually evolved into the cocktail we know today. The name Gimlet also has its roots in the nautical realm. It is said that Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette was the one who suggested combining the lime, sugar and gin together to make the citrus more palatable for his seamen. Hence the concoction is named after him.

Another possible source for the name is the gimlet tool. Used on naval ships at the time, it was a simple hand tool used to bore into the barrels that held the vessel’s spirits. It wouldn’t split the wood, and provided a perfect pour.

Wherever its name came from, the Gimlet has been around as long as it has for more than a few reasons: it’s strong, simple and delicious.

Is a Gimlet The Same as a Sour?

A Gimlet is technically within the category of “sour”, but not considered one. Sours are traditionally mixed with lemon juice and sugar, while a Gimlet uses lime juice and sugar, with the traditional liquor being gin. Switching out the spirits can keep some drinks being called a Gimlet, like the Vodka Gimlet or Whiskey Gimlet. But if you use rum it’s a Daiquiri. That’s another story.

What Is The Best Gin To Use In A Gimlet?

You can have some fun trying out a few different styles of gin in this drink. Using some Old Tom will bring a little sweetness, while a London Dry will be more herbaceous and juniper-forward. Hendrick’s, which is cucumber-infused, works beautifully, bringing an extra level of freshness and crispness to each sip.

What Kind of Glassware and Garnish is Used?

Chill a cocktail coupe in your freezer for up to thirty minutes to get it really frosty. Once your Gimlet is ready, pour it in and garnish with a twist of lime.

What is Rose’s Lime Cordial?

Rose’s Lime Cordial is the original mixer used in the Gimlet, and is the world’s first fruit juice concentrate. Preserved without alcohol, it began commercial production in Scotland in 1868 and was present on naval ships at that time.

Gimlet Variations

I always keep a bottle of fresh lime juice and one of simple syrup in my fridge. All I need is a spirit and a shaker with ice and I’ve got myself a Gimlet. And depending on my mood, it can be any kind of Gimlet I choose. Especially since Twist & Toast has some fine and simple recipes to start with.

• Vodka Gimlet – This smooth and clean Gimlet is perfectly balanced.
• Cucumber Gimlet – One of the freshest-tasting cocktails you’ll ever have. Enjoy!
• French Gimlet – St. Germain replaces the simple syrup for a fresh and floral experience. My favorite version.
• Daiquiri – You can call this a Rum Gimlet if you like, but it’s still a Daiquiri. I don’t make the rules.