Gimlet

The gimlet rose to popularity after it was mentioned in the 1953 Raymond Chandler novel The Long Goodbye. The main character, Philip Marlowe, said, “A real gimlet is half gin and half Rose’s Lime Juice and nothing else. It beats martinis hollow.” This line secured the gimlets place in history.

Before the gimlet became popular in 1953 it is believed that it was served to the sailors in the British Royal Navy as a means of fighting scurvy. Rose’s Lime Juice was created in 1867 as a way to preserve lime juice without alcohol and it was used by the Navy. By mixing the juice with Navy strength gin (114 proof!) the gimlet was born. By the mid-20th century the gimlet was a popular cocktail with naval officers and in British society.

The 1930 Savoy Hotel bar book lists one made that way and served on the rocks. It also, however, lists a gimblet, with three parts gin to one part lime juice, shaken together and topped off with soda. Half gin and half Roses Lime Juice is unbearably sweet by today's standards. Combine these and you get the modern gimlet.

The Gimlet has long been appreciated as simply a complex Martini. The unique sweetness of Rose's Lime Juice is traditionally used over fresh squeezed juice, an uncommon factor as we often hear that fresh is always better in any drink. However, a superior (fresher) Gimlet can be formed by making your own lime cordial. Some like to wipe the rim with a lime wedge, gently squeeze it over the drink and drop it in.

Before fresh juice was standard in cocktails, Rose's Lime Cordial was the traditional substitute for simple syrup and lime juice. Some still insist that a gimlet is not a gimlet without Rose's. Modern recipes often use fresh lime juice and simple syrup to achieve a crisper flavor.

2 oz London dry gin
1 3/4 oz Rose's lime juice or other lime cordial (or try 3/4 oz lime juice and 3/4 simple syrup)
lime wedge garnish

Pour the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well.* Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. You could also shake the gin and Rose's lime juice in a shaker and strain into a glass.

*Water is added to the drink from the ice that is used to mix it with. The role of the water in any cocktail is to calm down the flavors all around and to reduce the "burn" of the alcohol. This is extremely important for creating a cocktail that is smooth and relaxing.

Variations:

You can substitute vodka for the gin for a Vodka Gimlet.