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Cocktail History
The Gimlet is a classic cocktail that was created in the mid-1800s. Cocktail historians claim the recipe, traditionally made with a mixture of gin, lime, and simple syrup, was developed as a way to get sailors to drink lime juice in order to prevent scurvy while away at sea. The theory is widely accepted because it’s also cited that the drink was named for Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, a doctor who treated sailors in the navy in the 19th century.
Cocktail Ingredients
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Gin: This is a spirit made with juniper berries, botanicals, and alcohol. I used Tanglin Gin Black Powder Gin.
Lime Juice: This is the liquid juice of a lime. I used freshly squeezed lime juice.
Simple Syrup: This is a sweetener made with white sugar and water. I made mine using this stovetop recipe.
Lime Slice: This is a slice of lime that has been cut into a half wheel shape.
Bartending Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need the following bar tools:
Jigger: This is used to measure and pour ingredients. I used the Japanese jigger from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Boston Shaker: This is used to shake ingredients. I used the Boston shaker from the A Bar Above 14-Piece Silver Bar Set.
Hawthorne Strainer: This is used to strain out ice and solid ingredients after the cocktail is shaken. I used the A Bar Above Hawthorne Strainer.
Paring Knife: This is used to cut ingredients. I used the OXO Good Grips 3.5 Inch Paring Knife.
Juicer: This is used to juice citrus. I used the ALEEHAI Manual Fruit Juicer.
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Tasting Notes
This cocktail has the following flavor profile:
• Appearance: Faint yellow-green color
• Aroma: Citrus and botanicals
• Taste: Smooth and bright gin flavor with noticeable juniper and botanicals
• Finish: Tangy citrus and peppery notes
Kendall’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Kendall’s Take: “There are three classic gin cocktails that are really similar (this one, the Gin Daisy, and the Southside), and of all of them, I think the Gimlet lands in the middle for me. It has a nice, bright, and citrusy gin-heavy flavor that feels very well-balanced and straightforward compared to the others. I would love to try several different gins in this template to get a feel for their nuances. It’s simple and tasty, and it’s hard not to enjoy if you love gin like I do.”
Recipe
This cocktail recipe was adapted from The Essential Cocktail Book: A Complete Guide to Modern Drinks by the editors of PUNCH and Megan Krigbaum.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we make a small commission each time you purchase a product using our links. Product images sourced from Amazon Product Advertising API. Amazon affiliate links last updated on 2025-02-14.
Gimlet
The Gimlet is a classic cocktail that was created in the mid-1800s. Cocktail historians claim the recipe, traditionally made with a mixture of gin, lime, and simple syrup, was developed as a way to get sailors to drink lime juice in order to prevent scurvy while away at sea. The theory is widely accepted because it’s also cited that the drink was named for Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, a doctor who treated sailors in the navy in the 19th century.
Ingredients
Method
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Add gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and cubed ice to a shaker.
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Shake for 10-20 seconds.
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Strain into a cocktail glass.
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Garnish with lime wedge.
