Gimlet

What is the difference between a Gin Sour and a Gimlet Cocktail?

The Gin Sour and the Gimlet differ primarily in composition, citrus, history, presentation, and texture. The Gin Sour is a blend of Gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup, often with egg white and bitters, while the Gimlet is simply Gin with lime juice or lime cordial. Lemon juice gives the Gin Sour a zesty tang, whereas lime juice provides the Gimlet’s tartness. In terms of serving, the frothy Gin Sour, due to its egg white, is typically in a rocks or sour glass with a lemon or cherry garnish, while the smoother Gimlet appears in a cocktail glass adorned with a lime. 

What is the best Gin for a Gin Gimlet?

For a classic, clean taste, you can’t go wrong with London Dry gins like Beefeater or Tanqueray, known for their straightforward juniper profile and a crisp finish that pairs beautifully with lime. If you prefer a more floral or herbal undertone, Bombay Sapphire introduces ten botanicals, adding complexity without overwhelming the drink’s simplicity. For a bolder option, consider a Navy Strength gin like Plymouth, which brings a higher alcohol content and a rich, full-bodied juniper essence that stands its ground amidst the tartness of lime. Hendrick’s Gin might be your go-to if you’re up for a splurge and prefer a softer cucumber and rose-infused profile. It provides a delightful contrast to the citrus without overpowering it. But for an all-around versatile choice that’s great in a Gimlet and adaptable to other cocktails, you might opt for the balanced and always reliable Tanqueray for its perfect harmony of botanicals and accessible price point.

Rose Gimlet

A Rose Gimlet is a variation of the classic Gimlet cocktail that incorporates rose water or rose-infused syrup, blending the original drink’s traditional sharp, citrus taste with the subtle, fragrant notes of rose. This combination creates a unique flavor profile, offering a floral twist on the tartness of the lime. At the same time, the Gin’s botanicals often complement the rose’s soft aroma, making the Rose Gimlet a popular choice for those seeking a new take on the well-loved classic.

Gimlet Variations

Fancy trying out some new flavors? We’ve got a lineup of our favorites just for you:

• Vodka Gimlet: Swapping gin for vodka, it offers a cleaner, more neutral spirit base, allowing the lime’s zest to stand out.
• Basil Gimlet: Fresh basil leaves infuse the traditional lime and gin base, adding an aromatic, herbaceous twist for a refreshing taste.
• Cucumber Gimlet: Muddled cucumber brings cool, vegetal crispness, making it a hydrating choice for hot days.
• Raspberry Gimlet: Muddled raspberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color, balancing sweet and tart flavors. I particularly enjoy the natural sweetness and eye-catching color, making it both a visual and taste delight.
• Elderflower Gimlet: Elderflower liqueur makes it floral and slightly sweeter, appealing to those who enjoy gentle, fragrant flavors.
• Ginger Gimlet: Integrating ginger syrup or fresh ginger, it offers spicy warmth, contrasting nicely with the lime’s acidity.
• Rosemary Gimlet: Infused with rosemary, it gains a pine-like depth, beautifully complementing the gin’s botanicals.
• Strawberry Gimlet: Fresh strawberries make it sweeter and more fragrant, perfect for spring and summer with its juicy, refreshing quality.
• Lavender Gimlet: Lavender syrup adds a floral, calming element, transforming it into a more elegant and soothing experience.
• Pineapple Gimlet: Pineapple juice brings a tropical twist with its sweetness and island flair.
• Espresso Gimlet: A shot of espresso creates an unexpected but harmonious blend, ideal for those who enjoy a caffeinated kick. I love how the robust flavor of espresso pairs with the crisp lime, offering a unique and energizing experience.
• Grapefruit Gimlet: Grapefruit juice makes it tangier and slightly bitter, suited for those who prefer a sharper citrus profile.

Origins and History of the Gimlet

The Gimlet cocktail boasts a rich history, intertwining with naval adventures and the quest to combat scurvy. Sailors in the British Royal Navy in the 19th century received daily rations of Gin or rum, and officers started mixing their Gin with the lime juice ration not just for flavor but because they discovered it helped prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency common among sailors on long voyages.

The cocktail likely owes its name to Sir Thomas Gimlette, a British Royal Navy surgeon who served from 1879 to 1913. He reputedly introduced this Gin and lime mixture to the navy to induce sailors to take lime juice as an anti-scurvy medication. The acidity in the lime helped preserve the sailors’ health on extended sea journeys, and the Gin made the medicinal dose more palatable.

It cemented its place in cocktail culture through literature when mentioned in the 1953 Raymond Chandler novel “The Long Goodbye.” The character Terry Lennox requests a Gimlet, calling for “half gin and half Rose’s lime juice and nothing else.” This reference indicates the use of Rose’s lime juice, a preserved, sweetened lime juice, which became a common Gimlet ingredient, although modern recipes often favor fresh lime juice.