Gimlet
A classic with an edge: gin, freshly squeezed lime and syrup shaken into a fresh, tart balance.
Ingredients
- Gin60 ml
- Lime juice, freshly squeezed22.5 ml
- Simple syrup (1 part Sugar, 1 part Water)15 ml
- Lime, for garnish (optional)1 wheel
Method
- Chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes.
- Pour the gin, freshly squeezed lime juice and simple syrup into a shaker.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice.
- Shake hard for 10–15 seconds, until ice-cold on the outside.
- Strain the drink into the cold glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
About this drink
The Gimlet comes from the British Navy in the late nineteenth century, where sailors mixed gin with lime juice to keep scurvy at bay. The original used Rose’s Lime Cordial, but the preferred modern version uses fresh lime juice and simple syrup for a cleaner, livelier character. Today it is one of the most loved examples of balance between botanicals, acidity and sweetness.
Questions and answers
Can you make a Gimlet with lime cordial instead of fresh lime and syrup?
Yes — it is actually the historical version. Rose’s Lime Cordial was originally the drink’s source of sweetness and acidity. Fresh lime and syrup give a cleaner, less artificial flavour today.
Which gin works best in a Gimlet?
A classic London Dry with good juniper character stands up best to lime’s acidity. Try a more citrus-led gin if you want a softer, less sharp version.
How sweet should a Gimlet be?
It is a matter of taste. The recipe’s syrup is a good balance between gin and lime, but feel free to adjust it slightly to suit your own sweet or tart preference.
