A Tale of a Gimlet

Did you know that humans, guinea pigs, and fruit bats are incapable of producing their vitamin C? This bit of bartender trivia may have paved the way for the creation of one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. 

In the late 1880s, scurvy, a fatal ailment resulting from a Vitamin C deficiency that claimed the lives of countless sailors throughout history, was rampant on British warships. At the time, it was advised to supplement sailors’ diets with plenty of citrus fruits including Oranges, Lemons, and Limes. As the British Navy would soon discover, such fruits spoil easily on extended sea voyages. Enter Rose’s Lime Cordial, the precursor to modern Rose’s Lime Juice and the world's inaugural fruit concentrate, which swiftly became the preferred citrus juice on warships as it kept fresh even during long sea excursions.

Yet, the lime juice alone proved to be a tough swallow. This is where Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette stepped in with a brilliant idea. Recognizing the universal truth that anything can be made more palatable with the addition of liquor, he mixed gin with Rose’s Lime Cordial, giving birth to the traditional Gimlet. 

The first printed recipe of the gimlet was published by legendary bartender Harry MacElhone in his 1923 guide "Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails." The recipe called for half Plymouth Gin and half Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial, stirred, and served in the same glass, optionally iced. MacElhone even noted, perhaps as a nod to Gimlette, that it was "a very popular beverage in the Navy." Shortly following publication, The Savoy Cocktail Book by Harry Craddock highlighted the gimlet, and bar patrons across the world never looked back. 

The Gimlet recipe etched itself into American literary history 60 years ago in Raymond Chandler’s The Long Goodbye. One of the most famous lines in this classic features a conversation between Philip Marlowe and Terry Lennox: “A real Gimlet is half gin and half Rose’s Lime Juice and nothing else. It beats Martini’s hollow.”

Ernest Hemingway, an aficionado of Raymond Chandler and all things alcoholic was a fan of the Gimlet. He was rarely seen on an African safari without his Gordon’s Gin and a bottle of Rose’s Lime Juice. More recently, the Gimlet gained popularity as Betty Draper’s preferred drink on Mad Men.

The Gimlet is a historical favorite that would do well at any cocktail party, birthday, cocktail class, wedding reception, etc. Classic, simple, refreshing, and with many varieties and customization options, you can make the Gimlet your very own during your next cocktail party. 

Ingredients: 

·       2.5 oz Gin

·       .5 oz Lime Juice

·       .5 oz Simple Syrup

·       Lime Twist for garnish

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, add ice, and shake for 15 seconds. Strain over a Nick and Nora glass. Sniff, sip, and enjoy.

If you're interested in booking an event with us, mention this cocktail to receive 15% off your first booking. Fill out a free quote request HERE or reach out to Cara directly: cara@nocococktail.com