The Gimlet

The Gimlet is a classic gin cocktail that you have to try at least once

 

In the Gin Sour category, it has a sweet, tart, sharpness about it that is a refreshing summer drink on a hot day. Pale and interesting in a Martini glass with a simple lime wheel for garnish it looks great, subtle and understated.

Made with 5 parts gin to 1 part Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial it is the simplest of cocktails to make. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. You will still need to take care in preparing it to avoid a sickly sweet mess.

 

 

 

Established in 1867 by Lauchlan Rose, Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial was originally devised to preserve lime juice with sugar rather than the more traditional rum. It was given to sailors to combat scurvy, or Vitamin C deficiency.

Rose imported limes from the West Indies to the docks in Leith, Scotland and on to his factory in Commercial Street. With the Royal Navy also based in Scotland at Leith Rose had a ready customer. His lime cordial industry boomed.

Rose can claim to be the first manufacturer of a concentrated fruit drink. Today the cordial is made by the Coca-Cola company and is still going strong.

Tip ~ use a fruity, flavourful gin like Beefeater that can stand up to the sweetness of this cocktail.

It is easy as to make:~

 

 

 

Equipment:

Shaker, bar spoon, jigger, fine strainer, lime squeezer.

 

Ingredients:

50ml London Dry Gin

10ml Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial

 

Method:

Add both ingredients to a shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously.

Pour into a chilled Martini glass through a fine strainer to catch any small pieces of ice.

Garnish with a lime wheel if you fancy it.

 

 

Variation

If Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial is too sickly sweet for your taste then you can substitute the cordial with 15ml freshly squeezed lime juice and 15ml sugar syrup. Vary the proportions until you find the exact ratio you like.

 

 

 

Cheers!