This gin gimlet, a refreshing cocktail with the perfect balance of slightly sweet lime juice and the juniper and herbal flavors of gin, is a wonderful classic drink.
This is a strong cocktail with the tart lime balanced with the botanicals of the gin. It's very gin forward.
About the Gimlet:
According to folklore, the gimlet was originally created as a medicinal drink. Gin was considered a diuretic, and the lime was to prevent scurvy. Evidently, the inventor was Sir T.O. Gimlette, a British naval physician from the 1800s. At least that is what my 1999 copy of the Williams Sonoma Bar Guide from Time Life Books says. There are other theories as well.
The recipe in the book calls for 2 1/2 oz of gin and 1 T. of Rose's Lime. I'm pretty sure Rose's is not quite the same as it was, and I much prefer fresh lime juice sweetened with either simple syrup or a bit of limeade concentrate.
Ingredients and Variations:
Gin: a good London Dry gin, Plymouth gin (or another gin with a higher percentage of botanicals) works great to balance the tartness of the lime. I love trying new gins, especially the ones with lots botanical flavor.
Lime juice: I prefer fresh lime juice. We actually are lucky enough to grow our own Bearss limes year round. I love them because they are so juicy and large.
Simple Syrup or Frozen Limeade Concentrate: I typically use a small amount of frozen limeade concentrate, but you can use simple syrup instead.
You can keep the limeade concentrate in your freezer and just spoon out what you need when you need it. It's amazing stuff and lasts in your freezer for a long time. It's also great to use for Margaritas.
I love revisiting classic cocktails such as the negroni, the vesper, and the corpse reviver #2. The gin gimlet belongs in the same category.
In my mind, just like with the classic martini, you shouldn't have to specify that you want it made with gin. That should be understood. However, your server will probably ask you, "vodka or gin?," so, to save time, you might as well ask for a "gin" gimlet.
The Savoy Cocktail Book, originally published in 1828, recommended a ratio of of half gin and half lime cordial. Newer bartending books recommend a ratio of 4 parts gin to 1 part sweetened lime juice. I'm in the 4 to 1 camp, where you can taste the flavor of the gin.
Equipment You May Need/Want:
A cocktail shaker: If you don't have one, just place some ice in a large glass, add the ingredients, and stir everything vigorously.
A citrus hand squeezer: This comes in handy for squeezing every drop of juice from the limes without buying another appliance.
This week, the From Our Dinner Table group is sharing recipes featuring citrus:
Citrus Celebration!
- Blood Orange Margarita from Art of Natural Living
- Blood Orange Marmalade from Magical Ingredients
- Gin Gimlet from Karen's Kitchen Stories
- Meyer Lemon Poppyseed Cake from Hezzi-D's Recipe Box
- Mixed Citrus Squash (Drink) from That Recipe
- Tangerine Julius from Palatable Pastime
We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!
Gin Gimlet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) gin
- 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon frozen limeade concentrate or simple syrup
- Lime slice or wheel for garnish
Instructions
- Place the ingredients in a shaker with ice and stir or shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or lime slice (optional).
Nutrition Facts
Calories
139Fat (grams)
0 gSat. Fat (grams)
0 gCarbs (grams)
3 gFiber (grams)
0 gNet carbs
2 gSugar (grams)
1 gProtein (grams)
0 gCholesterol (grams)
0 mgOriginally published July, 2012 and updated March, 2024.
Do you ever juice a bunch of limes and make lime ice cubes for when you don't happen to have fresh limes? I do that with lemons so I can always have fresh lemon juice, and lime juice infused with mint for mojitos (because the mint only grows in the summer).
ReplyDeleteI've done it with lemons and nectarines. We are so lucky to have limes all year long. We have 5 tiny trees in pots that are very prolific.
DeleteThis is such a refreshing and tasty cocktail!
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered I like gin, so this is awesome!
ReplyDeleteThe flavors sound refreshing!
ReplyDelete