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    Home » Classic Cocktails » The Gimlet Cocktail is Refreshing and Delicious

    Published: Sep 11, 2020 · Modified: Feb 26, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    The Gimlet Cocktail is Refreshing and Delicious

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The thirst-quenching Gimlet cocktail supposedly has its roots in British Naval history but has made appearances in classic noir books and films as well.

    A gimlet cocktail in a coupe glass with dry gin and Rose's lime juice on a silver tray.

    A Little Gin Makes the Medicine Go Down

    OK, so it's not exactly Mary Poppins, but if you believe the legends about how this drink got its start it might make sense. Supposedly the British Navy discovered that the vitamin C in limes worked to prevent scurvy. But it was difficult getting sailors to willingly eat the sour fruit or drink the bitter juice, so a cunning medical officer mixed it with gin. Who knows if that is true -- but it makes for a good story.

    The gimlet has been a popular drink for many years. It was a favorite during Prohibition because the lime juice helped mask sub standard bathtub gin. It's not unusual to watch a movie or TV show and see the Gimlet make an appearance as a supporting character. From Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye to Mad Men, the Gimlet shows up and steals the scene. In fact, Chandler said that a good Gimlet is "half gin and half Rose's Lime juice and nothing else." Who am I to argue with that! I agree with his nod to simplicity, and therefore I leave out the simple syrup in my recipe. I also cut back on the lime juice to make it more drinkable.

    Ingredients needed for a Gimlet Cocktail

    Since my version is a duo cocktail, the list of ingredients is short:

    • Dry Gin
    • Rose's Lime Juice

    However, if you, too, feel the lime juice is a bit strong, then add in some simple syrup to even it out -- ¾ of an ounce should do just fine.

    Tips for Success

    This cocktail is hard to mess up, but if you do the following you'll mix it like a pro:

    • Chill the glass ahead of time and fill it with crushed ice for a nice look
    • Cut back the lime juice until you've found a mix that works for you
    • Choose a gin that tastes good and don't rely on the lime juice to cover for an inferior spirit

    What do you think, is the Gimlet a summertime only drink, or do you enjoy it year-round? If you live in a warm climate like SoCal, it will be in season year 'round!

    A gimlet cocktail in a coupe glass with dry gin and Rose's lime juice on a silver tray.

    The Gimlet is a Wonderful Gin Cocktail

    Kevin Mayfield
    The medicinal Gimlet is a great warm weather cocktail that is sure to quench your thirst -- as well as keep you safe from scurvy!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes mins
    Total Time 2 minutes mins
    Course Classic Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 104 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ½ ounces of dry gin
    • ¾ ounces of Rose's Lime Juice

    Instructions
     

    • Place one scoop of ice in a cocktail mixing glass
    • Pour in gin and lime juice
    • Stir to mix and cool, then strain into a coupe or cocktail glass
    • Add a lime wedge for garnish

    Notes

    Be careful  to not overdo the lime juice, as it is strong and can cause the drink to be very sour
    Use only a quality dry gin that you wouldn't mind sipping neat

    Nutrition

    Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 26mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword 50's cocktails, 60's cocktails, Chandler, Gin, Lime, Mad Men Cocktails, Noir, rat pack cocktails, The Long Goodbye
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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