From medicinal recipe to cocktail bar classic the world over, follow the meteoric rise of the Gimlet. This emblematic creation has survived the centuries thanks to its minimalism and natural elegance.
A naval creation turned bar icon
The story of the Gimlet begins in the 19th century on the ships of the British Royal Navy. At the time, scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, was decimating ship’s crews on long voyages. How could this scourge be countered? By imposing the consumption of lime juice on board. The vitamin content is there, but the acidic taste is sometimes difficult for sailors to swallow. So they mixed it with gin, a very popular drink, to make it more palatable. This practice, initially utilitarian, gave birth to a blend that would become much more than a simple remedy…the basis of the future Gimlet.
There are two competing theories as to the origin of its name. The first attributes it to Sir Thomas Gimlette, a Royal Navy physician who recommended adding gin to lime to encourage sailors to drink it. The second is a reference to the gimlet, a small piercing tool used for barrels and casks. A tribute to the beverage’s lively, piercing style. Whatever the case, it quickly spread beyond Royal Navy circles, as cocktails became symbols of refinement and conviviality in big-city bars. Raymond Chandler’s noir novel “The Long Goodbye” also contributed to its success. The book’s hero describes the Gimlet, and this literary reference cements its place in popular culture.
Tart freshness
With its purity, it relies on a subtle balance. Gin brings herbaceous and floral notes, while lime adds a refreshing liveliness.
Ingredients
- 6 cl gin (preferably London Dry Gin)
- 2 cl fresh lime juice
- Ice cubes
Preparation
- Prepare the glass: Chill a cocktail glass.
- Mix ingredients: Pour the gin and lime juice into a shaker filled with ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously: Shake for about 15 seconds to blend the flavours and refresh the mixture.
- Strain: Using a strainer, pour into the cooled glass.
- Decoration: Add a slice of lime or zest for an aesthetic finish and an aromatic touch.
You can also choose to replace the lime with Rose’s Lime Cordial for a sweeter, almost nostalgic version that reflects the maritime tradition. Among other famous variants, the Vodka Gimlet substitutes vodka for gin. The result is a more neutral interpretation for those who prefer lighter flavors. The Cucumber Gimlet is a summer edition that exudes freshness with freshly crushed cucumber. Finally, the modern Gimlet plays on the diversification of flavors. Mixologists like to incorporate different citrus fruits such as yellow lemon or grapefruit. It’s up to you to find the Gimlet that’s right for you!
