The Gimlet is a straightforward, tangy cocktail that shines on a warm summer day. It’s a timeless classic that paved the way for icons like the Daiquiri, the Sidecar, and even the Margarita. Its name isn’t just stylish—it comes from a small hand tool called a gimlet, used to pierce liquor barrels aboard ships.
Story
The Gimlet dates back to the late 19th century, when British Royal Navy doctors prescribed lime juice to sailors to prevent scurvy. At first, the juice was preserved with sugar, and later, with gin or rum. The drink was eventually named after Sir Thomas Gimlette, a naval surgeon who recommended the mixture to the crew. This simple yet elegant cocktail quickly gained popularity far beyond the decks of ships, charming drinkers across all walks of life.
Ingredients
2 ½ oz (75 ml) gin
½ oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
½ oz (15 ml) sugar syrup
How to Make a Gimlet Cocktail
Add the gin, lime juice, and sugar syrup to a shaker filled with ice, then shake vigorously. Strain into a pre-chilled cocktail glass, leaving the ice behind. The result is crisp, cool, and refreshingly sharp.
Serving and Garnish
The Gimlet is traditionally served in a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with a thin lime wedge or a neat slice of lime on the rim—it adds just the right visual touch without overwhelming the drink’s clean profile.
Calorie Content
One serving of the Gimlet cocktail contains roughly 160 calories. The calorie count depends mainly on the amount of gin and sugar syrup used—but when it tastes this bright and balanced, who’s counting?