Gimlet
Stir ∙ 3 min ∙ 19.3% ABV ∙
The Gimlet is a stirred gin sour made with London dry gin and lime cordial, served up in a cocktail glass.
Ingredients
1
Servings
Garnish
Instructions for 1 serving
- Pre-chill a glass
- Stir all ingredients with ice: London dry gin 50 mlLime cordial 40 ml
- Strain into the chilled glass
- Express a lime twist over the cocktail and use as garnish
Tips
- Stir over ice until it's properly cold; 40 ml of cordial is a lot of sugar, and a short stir leaves the drink cloying.
- Cordial brands vary widely in sweetness and lime, so nudge the 50 ml gin to 40 ml cordial ratio slightly to suit yours.
History
The gimlet is a gin and lime cordial cocktail whose name is first documented in 1928, with an early description simply noting gin and a splash of lime. The most straightforward explanation traces the name to the gimlet, a small tool for boring holes, applied figuratively to the drink's sharp, penetrating effect on the drinker. A rival, more romantic story credits Royal Navy surgeon Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette, said to have encouraged fellow officers to mix their medicinal daily lime juice ration with gin to make it more palatable and stave off scurvy. Sources note this naval-surgeon story is not supported by his own obituaries or biographical listings, leaving the tool-derived etymology the better-documented account.
The Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930, set the classic proportions at equal parts gin and lime cordial, a ratio later echoed in Raymond Chandler's 1953 novel The Long Goodbye. Modern versions typically favor a less sweet build, with more gin than cordial rather than the original equal parts. This recipe uses 50 ml of gin to 40 ml of cordial.
FAQ
What is a Gimlet made of?
London dry gin and lime cordial: 50 ml gin to 40 ml cordial.
Why is a Gimlet called a Gimlet?
Most likely from the gimlet, a small tool for boring holes, for the drink's sharp, penetrating effect. A popular rival story credits Royal Navy surgeon Sir Thomas Gimlette, but his own biographical records do not support it.
What gin is best for a Gimlet?
A London dry gin. Its crisp juniper and citrus stand up to the sweetness of the lime cordial. A more floral or citrus-forward gin works too, but the drink comes out more perfumed.
Is a Gimlet gin or vodka?
Gin. The Gimlet is London dry gin stirred with lime cordial. Vodka versions exist as a modern variation, but the drink and its history belong to gin.
How does a French Gimlet differ?
A French Gimlet typically swaps the lime cordial for fresh lime juice and an elderflower liqueur such as St-Germain, which does the sweetening. It comes out lighter and more floral than the cordial original.
What is the difference between a Tom Collins and a Gimlet?
A Tom Collins is a tall, fizzy highball of gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water over ice. A Gimlet is a short, stirred drink of gin and lime cordial, served up with no soda. The Collins is long and refreshing; the Gimlet is compact and stronger.
