The Gimlet, Reimagined: 9 Twists on the Time-Honored Classic
From a classic combination of gin and lime cordial to garden-gathered twists, these recipes prove the Gimlet has more to offer than meets the eye. [...] Read More... The post The Gimlet, Reimagined: 9 Twists on the Time-Honored Classic appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.
Few cocktails bring the sort of broad appeal, simplicity and endless adaptability of the gimlet.
The drink’s roots date back to the 1800s, when British sailors purportedly blended liquor with their mandated rations of lemon and lime juice in an effort to fight scurvy. The combination caught on, leading to the classic recipe of gin, lime juice and sugar or simple syrup.
However, with the invention and growing popularity of Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial in the 19th century, the drink transformed into an even easier-to-make two-ingredient cocktail and full on mid-century cultural phenomenon.
In Raymond Chandler’s 1953 noir novel The Long Goodbye, protagonist and P.I. Philip Marlowe put it plainly: “A real gimlet is half gin and half Rose’s lime juice and nothing else.”
As the hardboiled-detective genre faded from popularity, so did the firm definition of ingredients. In the ensuing decades, the gimlet has joined its cocktail compatriots in the land of experimentation, where, today, it’s seen as both a time-honored classic and a template with endless possibilities. From straightforward to sciency, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorite variations below.
The Classic Gin Gimlet
Simplicity can be the height of sophistication, especially when it comes to the gimlet. With just gin, lime juice and simple syrup, the classic gin gimlet is elegant, floral and refreshing, all with minimal fuss. Sub in Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial to make it even easier.
Vodka Gimlet
Not into botanicals? The vodka gimlet may be the perfect answer. Swap that gin out for your favorite vodka for a leaner, more neutral experience that lets the lime do the heavy lifting.
Cucumber Gimlet
The epitome of refreshment, the cucumber gimlet is like a spa day in a rocks glass. Add muddled cuke to your classic gin gimlet ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake, strain and garnish with a freshly cut cucumber peel for maximum relaxation.
Basil Gimlet
Though there is indeed basil in the basil gimlet, the drink is effectively a full garden in a glass. With celery bitters, an orange slice, a lime wheel, celery salt and, of course, basil thrown into the mix, we think it makes sense to swap gin out for vodka here to avoid botanical overload.
Floralia Gimlet
Developed by Enlightenment Wines and Honey’s, a bar and winery in Brooklyn, the Floralia Gimlet is one of the more complex renditions on this list. It features the winery’s own “Floralia” mead, a fermented honey wine infused with lavender, marjoram and juniper, rounded out by vodka, various citrus juices and simple syrup. Garnish with lemon mint marigold for an extra-floral finish.
Color-Changing Daikon Radish Gimlet
Coming to us from the now-shuttered Sujeo bar in Madison, Wisconsin, the Color-Changing Daikon Radish Gimlet makes use of one of nature’s quirks: daikon contains specific color pigments that, depending on the pH they’re exposed to in a liquid, can appear blue and purple. After combining daikon simple syrup (made with purple daikon, ice water and sugar), gin and lime juice, the changing pH of the cocktail creates a brilliant “mood-ring” effect.
Tarragon Gimlet
Licorice lovers—this one’s for you. The tarragon gimlet is grassy, refreshing and full of anise essence, perfect for those looking for a variation with more nuanced, herbal notes.
Spruce Tip Gimlet
The ideal cocktail for foragers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Spruce Tip Gimlet is woodsy, rustic and delicious. It combines gin, lime juice, orange bitters and foraged spruce tips, resulting in a citrusy bomb of botanicals. Though the spruce theme does lend itself to the cocktail being a winter favorite, we think it’s perfectly evergreen (get it?).
Kamikaze Gimlet
Starring London dry gin, lime cordial and Pop Rocks (yes, Pop Rocks), the Kamikaze is the gimlet’s free-spirited, fun-loving baby cousin. This whimsical concoction, which was created at the now-closed Pouring Ribbons cocktail bar in New York City, is punchy, tart and will definitely impress guests at your homemade happy hour.
More Cocktail Coverage
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- Looking for a drink full of flavor with no risk of a hangover? Try this NA Michelada recipe.
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