Gimlet cocktail in a coupe glass with lime.

Gimlet

The Gimlet is a classic cocktail that is simple but different and has been around for over a century. This enduring drink has a fascinating history dating back to the British Royal Navy, where sailors used lime juice to prevent scurvy. Over time, this tart concoction evolved into the gimlet we know today by adding gin and simple syrup.

The Gimlet is not just a relic of the past – it's a cocktail that remains popular and relevant in modern times thanks to its versatility and adaptability. Bartenders have left their mark on the drink, experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to give the classic drink a modern twist. Whether you prefer the traditional drink or a more modern twist, there's no doubting the enduring appeal of this timeless cocktail.

Gimlet recipe

The Gimlet is a classic cocktail that is simple and easy to make, yet has a distinctive taste. It consists of gin, lime juice and simple syrup, and is usually served in a chilled cocktail glass. The drink became popular with officers in the British Navy and spread to civilian bars and clubs. Today it is still a popular drink, both as a classic cocktail and as a modern version with different flavors and ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 5cl gin
  • 2cl freshly pressed limejuice
  • 2cl sugar syrup

Gimlet step by step

Lær mere om Ingredienser til en Gimlet

Tips for making the perfect Gimlet at home

Making this drink at home is easy and does not require many ingredients. To make the perfect Gimlet, be sure to use fresh lime juice and simple syrup, as this will give your drink the best flavor. Also use a quality gin as this will affect the taste of your drink.

When making a Gimlet, also make sure to shake the ingredients well with ice, as this will give your drink a refreshing and light consistency. Always serve your drink in a chilled cocktail glass for the best experience.

The origin of the Gimlet and its historical significance

The Gimlet has an interesting history dating back to the British Royal Navy. In the 19th century, scurvy was a common disease among sailors on long sea voyages. The disease was caused by a lack of vitamin C, which the body needs to fight infections. To prevent scurvy, the British Navy began giving sailors lime juice, which is rich in vitamin C. But the lime juice was sour and inedible, so sailors began mixing it with gin to make it more drinkable.

This mixture later became known as the Gimlet and became popular with officers in the British Navy who used it as a way to enjoy an alcoholic drink while preventing scurvy. As naval officers returned to civilian life, the drink spread to bars and clubs in Britain and the rest of the world.

 

The development of Gimlet over time

The gimlet has evolved over time from a simple mixture of gin and lime juice to the cocktail we know today with the addition of simple syrups and other flavourings. While the traditional Gimlet is still popular, bartenders and mixologists have been experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to give this classic drink a modern twist.

One of the most popular variations of the Gimlet is the added one cucumber. The cucumber gives a refreshing taste to this classic cocktail and is especially popular in the summer. Another popular variation is with strawberries, which add a sweet and fruity flavor to this otherwise sour cocktail. There are also several variations of the drink with the addition of different fruits and herbs, such as basil, raspberry and ginger.

Some bartenders and mixologists have also experimented with replacing gin with other alcoholic beverages, such as vodka or tequila. These variations can provide a completely different taste experience than the traditional Gimlet, and are popular with those who want to try something new.

The best garnishes and serving suggestions for Gimlet

The Gimlet is a simple cocktail, but it can still be dressed up and served in different ways to make it more interesting. A slice of lime or cucumber is a classic garnish for the drink, but you can also add fresh herbs or berries to give your drink a unique taste and appearance.

When serving a drink, it should normally be served in a chilled cocktail glass. You can also add ice to the glass to keep your drink cold and refreshing. Another popular way to serve the drink is to add a salt rim to the glass. This gives your drink an extra flavor and can be particularly popular with tequila– or vodka.

4.5/5
4.5/5

@TequilaPOP. Content and photographs are protected by copyright. Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting complete recipes to social media is strictly prohibited.

Are you over 18?