The Gimlet cocktail has a surprisingly interesting backstory. While the drink first appeared in print in the late 1920s, several origin stories trace it back much further.

One of the more entertaining and likely stories ties the Gimlet to the Royal Navy. To help prevent scurvy, sailors were issued daily rations of lime juice. As you can imagine, straight lime juice isn’t exactly enjoyable, so it was often mixed with gin to make it more palatable. According to this version, the drink was named after a Royal Navy surgeon, Sir Thomas Gimlette.

A simpler (and less romantic) explanation is that the cocktail takes its name from the gimlet tool, a small drill used to tap barrels. Given how sailors accessed stored spirits, that theory also checks out.

Regardless of its exact origin, the original Gimlet was a very simple drink: a 50/50 mix of gin and lime cordial, specifically Rose’s Lime Cordial. That’s an important distinction, Lime cordial already contains sugar. As cocktails evolved and fresh citrus became more common, modern versions reduced the lime juice and added simple syrup to balance the acidity.

For my take, I used a ginger simple syrup instead of classic simple syrup. Partly because I had it on hand but mostly because the subtle heat and spice work beautifully with gin and lime. The recipe for that syrup is linked below if you want to make it yourself.

Why This Cocktail Works
The Gimlet works because it’s built on balance and restraint. Gin provides bright botanicals and structure, fresh lime juice brings sharp acidity and the ginger simple syrup softens the edges while adding a subtle warmth that complements the gin rather than overpowering it. Proper shaking chills and dilutes the cocktail just enough to smooth everything out, resulting in a drink that’s crisp, refreshing and deceptively simple, proof that when the ratios are right, you don’t need much else.

Ingredients for a Gimlet Cocktail

• 2 ounces gin, we like Bombay Sapphire
• 3/4 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 3/4 oz ginger simple syrup
• Lime wheel or twist, for garnish

How to make the Gimlet Cocktail

1. Combine gin, fresh lime juice, simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake to combine, 15-20 seconds.
3. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with lime wheel or lime twist.
5. Enjoy!

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