The Gimlet’s history harkens back to the 19th century when British sailors received lime rations to combat scurvy. Lime juice was often combined with small amounts of neutral spirits to preserve it during long sea voyages.
However, a ship provisioner named Lachlan Rose revolutionized this by fortifying the juice with sugar instead of alcohol. Rose’s innovation resulted in a shelf-stable product, appealing to those seeking preserved lime juice without alcohol, and he eventually branded it as Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial.
The individual who initially blended Rose’s cordial with navy gin rations remains uncertain. Some credit Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, a British naval doctor, with popularizing the cocktail, while others speculate it was named after a shipboard tool. The Gimlet’s origins are elusive, common for cocktails from the pre-20th century with a simple template of spirit, sugar, and citrus.
Gin Gimlet Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 60ml (2 ounces) gin
- 30ml (1 ounce) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 15ml (0.5 ounces) simple syrup
- Lime wheel or twist (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Recipe
- Prepare Tools: Gather your cocktail shaker, jigger, strainer, and ice.
- Measure Gin: Pour 60 ml (2 oz) of gin into the shaker.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh limes to get 30 ml (1 oz) of lime juice and add it to the shaker.
- Include Simple Syrup: Mix in 15 ml (0.5 oz) of simple syrup to balance the acidity.
- Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Strain: Pour the cocktail through a strainer into a chilled glass.
- Garnish: Add a lime wheel or twist for a decorative and aromatic touch.
The Gin Gimlet with its balanced flavors, and refreshing taste make it a go-to choice for those who love a yummy gin tipple.
By the 1940s and 1950s, the classic Gimlet was solidified in popular culture and cocktail books as a straightforward 50/50 mix of Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial and gin. However, like the Whiskey Sour’s resurgence with fresh ingredients after the “sour mix era,” the Gimlet also returned to its roots.
It now emphasizes a blend of gin, freshly squeezed lime juice, and sugar, aligning with its original, refreshing simplicity.
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