Originally, a gin gimlet was made using a combination of lime cordial and gin. In the 19th century British sailors had a daily ration of lime juice to help prevent scurvy. To mask the sour taste, sailors added their daily gin ration to the lime juice. However, citrus juice doesn’t keep very long which makes it difficult to transport for longer journeys. Eventually a Scottish business man, Lauchlin Rose, invented lime cordial to tackle this problem. Rose added sugar to lime juice to preserve it, and named the product Rose’s Lime Juice, which became a key ingredient in the gimlet.
Today, many bartenders and home mixologists still use Rose’s Lime Juice or store-bought lime cordial but it doesn’t always make a well-balanced cocktail. Many modern cordials feature high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. For the best gimlet, either use freshly squeezed lime juice with sugar or simple syrup, as in the recipe above or make your own lime cordial at home. Lime cordial adds a greater level of sweetness to the drink, whereas fresh lime juice adds a welcome, bright acidity.
Best Gin Styles for a Classic Gimlet
When deciding upon the best gin for a gimlet there are a few considerations to keep in mind. It is a flexible cocktail that can be made with various styles of gin, based on your flavor preferences. However, if you do want to create a classic gimlet cocktail, you should opt for a London Dry gin. Despite its name, London Dry gin doesn’t have to be made in London, but refers instead to the style and method of making. It has a distinctive juniper note and its straightforward and clean flavor profile makes it well-suited for a gimlet as it lets the fresh lime citrus flavors come to the fore.
The gimlet’s history is tied up in the navy, and many cocktail connoisseurs would suggest that you need to use navy strength gin to truly enjoy the classic gin gimlet recipe that British sailors would have tasted. This style of gin can easily overpower the delicate flavors of the cocktail, however, and these days there are better options available.
And it’s surprisingly easy to make your own homemade gin if you want to add a personal touch to your cocktail with friends. You don’t need a still to get started either. Gin is essentially a neutral base spirit that’s been flavored with botanicals, which means you can use a base of vodka and infuse this with juniper and other botanicals to create your gin. If you’re planning to use the homemade gin for a gimlet, aim for a juniper-heavy taste profile with clean and classic botanicals.
Whichever style of gin you choose to include in your gimlet, it’s worth being aware of the fact that gin brands and styles will vary in alcohol content, which will affect the final strength of your drink.
Gimlet vs. Daiquiri: What’s The Difference?
The core basic difference between a gimlet and a daiquiri is that a gimlet is made with gin, and a daiquiri is made with rum. Both sour cocktails, aside from the spirit base, the ingredients are fairly similar, with both drinks using a combination of lime juice and simple syrup. The gimlet emphasizes the unique juniper characteristics of the gin, whereas a daiquiri highlights the playful and flavorful character of rum.
Intended for ages 21+. Please drink responsibly.
