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The original gin gimlet is first mentioned in print as early as 1920 but the first printed recipes showed up around 1927 such as in the cocktail book Barflies and Cocktails by Harry MacElhone. It may owe its existence to Rose’s Lime Juice, first patented by Lauchlin Rose in 1867. This preserved, concentrated and sweetened lime juice provided a way to supply lime juice to naval vessels and was a welcome source of vitamin C to combat scurvy aboard ship. Even though this was just prior to prohibition, Rose’s made its way also into the civilian market since it didn’t use alcohol as a preservative.
Naval officers adopted the lime juice in their mixed gin drinks. The name gimlet, according to the British Royal Navy, may have come from Surgeon General Sir Thomas D. Gimlette, who served in the navy from 1879 to 1913. Dr. Gimlette may have introduced the drink to encourage officers to have their lime juice. It also served as a way to dilute gin, another desirable effect. There is not much to verify these claims, however.
The early recipe by MacElhone, mentioned above, called for equal parts Rose’s Lime Cordial and Coates Plymouth Gin. The recipe does mention that the drink was popular in the navy.
Today, vodka more often used to make a gimlet. To get one with gin, you’d have to specify. Purists, of course, insisted also on Rose’s lime juice. Since it contains fruit juice, it is best shaken, whether or not you serve it over ice. You can use freshly squeezed or bottled lime juice, instead. If you want a fresh lime juice flavor and are using bottled lime juice, make sure it is not from concentrate. However, keep in mind that the original gimlet would have not tasted of fresh lime. No matter the source of the lime and sweetener, the drink is basically a gin sour, similar to any “sour” drink such as a Whiskey sour or even a classic Margarita.
Classic Gim Gimlet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz. gin (or vodka)
- 1 oz Rose’s Lime Juice
- 1/2 ounce of fresh or bottled lime juice along with 1/2 ounce simple syrup can be substituted for the Rose’s.
Instructions
Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously until very cold. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime twist, if desired.
