Skip to Recipe Skip to Content

Mastering the Ultimate Gimlet: Classic British Navy Cocktail

This vodka gimlet recipe is a sophisticated twist on the traditional gimlet, beloved by British sailors and concocted originally to combat scurvy on long voyages with the British Royal Navy. Celebrating the rich history of the drink, the recipe retains the use of Rose’s lime cordial, invented by Lauchlin Rose in the 19th century to provide a stable product rich in Vitamin C.

gimlet

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces of high-quality dry gin or vodka
  • 1 ounce of Rose’s lime cordial, a staple since its creation for the British Royal Navy as a scurvy preventative
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime or lemon juice to boost freshness and acidity
  • Optional: 1/2 ounce homemade simple syrup (to sweeten if desired)
  • Lime zest or fresh lime wedges for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Optional Variations:

  • Half Gin, Half Rose’s Lime Juice: For a stronger lime flavor that echoes the original gimlet’s simplicity and strength.
  • Basil Gimlet: Add a little bit of fresh basil for a herbaceous note.
  • Gin Sour: Shift towards a gin sour by replacing the cordial with more fresh citrus juice and a touch of simple syrup.
source: amazon

Equipment:

  • Heatproof jug or cocktail shaker
  • Measuring tools
  • Chilled martini or cocktail glass for serving

Instructions:

  1. Mixing the Cocktail: Combine gin or vodka with Rose’s lime cordial and fresh citrus juice in a shaker. This mixture honors the classic gin gimlet, balancing the robust spirit with the sweetness of the lime.
  2. Shaking: Add ice to fill the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This chilling process melds the flavors and slightly dilutes the mixture, enhancing smoothness.
  3. Serving: Strain the well-chilled mixture into a chilled cocktail glass, maintaining the traditional elegance and cooling effect.
  4. Garnishing: Garnish with a twist of lime zest or a wedge of lime, enhancing the aroma and visual appeal of the drink.

Historical and Cultural Notes:

  • Origin of the Name: It is said to be named after Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, who first mixed gin with lime to help sailors consume their vitamin C-rich lime rations.
  • Cordial Recipe: The cordial, a key ingredient, originally avoided high-fructose corn syrup, relying on simple ingredients like citric acid, lime peels, and sugar.

This enhanced vodka gimlet recipe respects its storied past while embracing the flexibility of modern cocktail craft, allowing enthusiasts to explore different ways to enjoy this enduring classic. Whether you’re mixing cocktails at home or sipping one by the high seas, the gimlet remains a testament to the timeless allure of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Yield: 1

Gimlet Recipe

gimlet

Master the beloved gimlet, a classic British Navy cocktail. Explore its history, traditional ingredients, and modern twists. Perfect for cocktail lovers!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces of high-quality dry gin or vodka
  • 1 ounce of Rose's lime cordial, a staple since its creation for the British Royal Navy as a scurvy preventative
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime or lemon juice to boost freshness and acidity
  • Optional: 1/2 ounce homemade simple syrup (to sweeten if desired)
  • Lime zest or fresh lime wedges for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

    1. Mixing the Cocktail: Combine gin or vodka with Rose’s lime cordial and fresh citrus juice in a shaker. This mixture honors the classic gin gimlet, balancing the robust spirit with the sweetness of the lime.
    2. Shaking: Add ice to fill the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This chilling process melds the flavors and slightly dilutes the mixture, enhancing smoothness.
    3. Serving: Strain the well-chilled mixture into a chilled cocktail glass, maintaining the traditional elegance and cooling effect.
    4. Garnishing: Garnish with a twist of lime zest or a wedge of lime, enhancing the aroma and visual appeal of the drink.