March is the month of my birth, which means all things good, glorious, and graceful! In celebration, I’m featuring my favorite cocktail: the one and only Gimlet.
The Gimlet is said to date back to 1928, and is either named after a tool for drilling small holes (due to it’s “piercing affects ” on the drinker)-or- possibly after Surgeon Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette KCB, who is said to have added lime to the sailers daily gin allotment to head off scurvy. [wikipedia]
Like most cocktails, there are a lot of varieties and twists the Gimlet can take, like using vodka instead of gin, adding in interesting herbals (rosemary or thyme), or trying out other citrus components–I like this just as much with lemon or grapefruit. 🙂
Originally, the recipe called for equal parts gin and Rose’s lime juice– because for some, a Gimlet is not true without Rose’s. However, I’m a staunch supporter of using fresh and homemade ingredients when possible. I’m also not a big fan of super sweet drinks, so I follow the more updated classic recipe calling for of 2 parts gin, 1 part lime juice, & 1/2 part simple syrup.
Note- I am not disparaging Rose’s. I keep a bottle in the fridge at all times because you never know when you may be out of limes and need it. 😉
Each week this month, I will showcase a different version of my beloved Gimlet, starting with my favorite, go to version:
The French Gimlet
- 2 parts gin- I prefer Hendricks gin
- 1 part St. Germain
- 1/2 part fresh lime juice
Combine all 3 ingredients into an ice filled shaker
Shake well to combine
Strain into a martini glass
Enjoy
Do you have a favorite version of this classic cocktail? Let me know in the comments.
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