The Vodka Gimlet stands out as a prime example of a lime-centric sour cocktail. In contrast to its gin-based relative, the Gin Gimlet cocktail, which relies on a diverse range of botanicals from the gin for its flavor profile, the Vodka Gimlet focuses on straightforward, uncluttered tastes.
The original Gimlet cocktail traces its roots back to the 19th century when British sailors were provided with lime rations to combat scurvy. To extend the juice’s shelf life, it was often mixed with neutral spirits.
However, a ship provisioner named Lachlan Rose revolutionized this by patenting a method that fortified the juice with sugar rather than alcohol, resulting in the creation of Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial.
Throughout most of the 20th century, the classic Gimlet was a straightforward combination of gin and Rose’s lime cordial. However, two significant factors altered this recipe. First, the vodka craze of the 1970s and ’80s led to the substitution of gin with the more neutral vodka in cocktails.
Second, during the craft cocktail resurgence around the turn of the millennium, drinks that originally relied on pre-made cordials like Rose’s were often deconstructed, with fresh lime juice and sugar used instead.
Vodka Gimlet Cocktail Ingredients
Before we delve into the Vodka Gimlet recipe, let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need, measured in milliliters (ml):
For the Vodka Gimlet Cocktail:
- 60 ml of vodka
- 30 ml of fresh lime juice
- 15 ml of simple syrup
- Lime wheel or twist for garnish
- Ice cubes
Vodka Gimlet Recipe
This Vodka Gimlet recipe is about achieving a balance of flavors and elegance. Here’s are the steps to get you started:
Step 1: Chilled Cocktail Glass
- Start by chilling a cocktail glass. You can do this by placing the glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
Step 2: The Cocktail Build
- In the chilled cocktail glass, combine the following ingredients:
- 60 ml of vodka
- 30 ml of fresh lime juice
- 15 ml of simple syrup
- A handful of ice cubes
Step 3: Stirring
- Gently stir the ingredients in the glass to blend them together and ensure the cocktail is well-chilled.
Step 4: Garnishing for Tangy Appeal
- Complete the Vodka Gimlet by garnishing it with a lime wheel or a twist.
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The Vodka Gimlet – Simple & Refreshing
The timeless Gimlet cocktail showcases the art of simplicity and with just three ingredients: gin, lime juice, and sugar. Its simple recipe has served as a blueprint for numerous cocktails that followed, including the Margarita, Daiquiri, and Sidecar.
More than a century since its inception, the Gimlet remains a symbol of the sour cocktail category. Its enduring legacy has spawned variations like the Vodka Gimlet, while its fundamental structure has become deeply ingrained in cocktail culture. In fact, cocktails like the Daiquiri could easily be likened to a “Rum Gimlet,” highlighting the Gimlet’s profound influence in the world of mixology.
Cheers to mastering the art of creating the perfect Vodka Gimlet, one of the great Vodka Cocktails!
