By michael vivar
A gimlet is one of the simplest drinks in a bartender's arsenal. Gin, lime syrup and ice. Shake then pour into a coupe glass. Done.
One apocryphal origin of the drink is when British naval doctor, Thomas Gimlette, mixed sailors' gin rations with a lime cordial to stave off scurvy.
The gimlet gained mainstream regard when noir detective author, Raymond Chandler, featured it in his iconic novel, "The Long Goodbye."
Unexpectedly, the drink maintained its popularity throughout America because diners constantly saw it on Chinese restaurant placemats.
The resurgence of retro-cocktails has placed the gimlet back on bartenders' recipe books. Here's the classic and a few variations.
Pour two parts gin, one part lime juice and one part simple syrup into an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Pour two parts gin, one part St. Germain and one part lime juice into an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass.
Pour two parts gin and one part Japanese plum wine into an ice-filled shaker. Stir gently. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a plum slice.
Muddle two slices of cucumber in a strainer. Add ice. Pour two parts gin, one part lime juice and one part simple syrup. Shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice.
Pour two parts vodka, one part lime juice and one part simple syrup into an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist.
Muddle a sage stalk in a strainer. Add ice. Pour two parts gin, one part lime juice and one part simple syrup. Shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with sage.
"A real gimlet is half gin and half Rose's Lime Juice and nothing else. It beats martinis hollow." ~ Raymond Chandler, "The Long Goodbye"
Personalize your gimlet with gin and ingenuity.