Now, I'm not saying I've been drinking forever - there was that period way back when when I was actually sober for 2.5 years following some kidney issues - but it is true to say that I've known about different cocktails for a long time. I mentioned the cosmopolitan in a previous post, and that was introduced to me by the SATC girls when I was 16. So too did they introduce me to the Long Island Iced Tea, the Statten Island Iced Tea, the Tartini and many more, but they didn't introduce me to this one. I came to this one very late in life. Well, too late in my life anyway for how good of a cocktail this is.
Like most cocktails, there doesn't seem to be a definitive date when it was created, however, it was definitely written about in the late 1920s. There is also contention as to the origin of the name.
Some camps say that the name is derived from the small tool used to drill holes and the "drilling" it gives the drinker, some saying it was named after Surgeon Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette who is purported to be the first person to add lime cordial to a daily tot of gin for those serving in the Navy to stave off scurvy. I personally love both ideas of this being where the name stemmed from, but more than that I love the drink itself. Such a popular drink in the 50's; even Raymond Chandler mentioned it (saying it should be equal parts gin and Rose's lime cordial "and nothing else") in his 1953 novel 'The Long Goodbye'. Whilst there have been and I'm sure will continue to be many different ways of making this classic cocktail, it seems to have fallen out of favour somewhat which makes me sad. It's insanely easy to make, is refreshing and utterly delicious. And yes, it has a penetrating effect just like a drilling tool and incidentally I'm scurvy free, so, what's not to love?!
You could channel your inner Betty Draper by wearing a twin-set & pearls and marrying & divorcing an adulterous narcissist, or, make it easier on yourself and make yourself a Gimlet using my recipe below. I know which one I prefer...
Method:
I've even made a little old style video for your viewing pleasure...
Please Gimlet responsibly!
1 Comment
Nessie
11/7/2021 21:27:07
Just been revisiting The Long Goodbye and was reminded of the gimlet again that Marlowe and Lennox drink and I find your video totally brilliant love it!
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