Gimlet

The defining characteristic of the classic Gimlet is the use of lime cordial. Be wary of using store-bought cordials full of high-fructose corn syrup.

Lime cordial is very easy to make and you can use it in any recipe that calls for lime and simple syrup to introduce additional flavors to the drink (cordial includes the lime’s peel, hence the additional flavors).

Consider trying this recipe with other spirits such as vodka, rum, or tequila.

In order to prevent scurvy, sailors required a source of vitamin C that could be preserved for the duration of the trip. In 1867, Lauchlin Rose, the son of a shipbuilder, had the idea to preserve lime juice with the use of sugar. Shortly after, he registered a patent application for “Lime Cordial”.

The Gimlet came to be as sailors mixed their gin rations along with lime cordial. This mirrors the birth of the Gin & Tonic, where sailors mixed gin with quinine to prevent Malaria.

There are two theories as to the name Gimlet: