Gimlet

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.

The Gimlet. 

I first heard of this drink whilst watching Mad Men, and in one episode in particular (season 2 episode 13). I was obsessed with this TV show which I think I must have started watching in my (very) late 20s.  Betty Draper, the epitome of glorious 50's chic ordered one of these at a bar she sat at by herself, looking perfectly put together in a beautiful twin-set and pearls. 

​It's the drink I now associate with Betty's character and it was that episode that made me aware of the drink and want to try it.  Thing is, it took me, probably, until 3 years ago to actually make one myself!

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...

• 50ml gin
• 50ml lime cordial (you can use fresh lime juice and some sugar syrup if you prefer)
• Ice
• Lime wedge / Lime twist

Method:

1. Chill your cocktail glass (you'll thank me later)
2. Add the gin and lime cordial to your cocktail shaker
3. Fill with ice to about half way or just over
4. Shake vigorously 
5. Double strain into your chilled glass
6. Add a lime wedge or a lime twist

I've even made a little old style video for your viewing pleasure...

Please Gimlet responsibly!