The Gimlet

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

 

In the Gin Sour category, the Gimlet 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 lime syrup, 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.

 

 

 

Traditionally the Gimlet was made with Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial. 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.

If Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial is too sickly sweet for your taste then you can substitute the cordial with homemade lime syrup.

 

Tip: Making your own homemade lime syrup is quick and easy. For recipe click here:-

 

 

Glass:

Cocktail / martini

 

Ingredients:

 

50 ml / 2.75 oz London Dry Gin

10 ml / .33 oz homemade lime syrup or Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial

 

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

 

Instructions:

 

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:

Lime wheel

 

 

 

 

To buy ingredients click here:-