Gimlet

The classic Gimlet cocktail stands as a testament to the art of mixology, showcasing a masterful blend of only three ingredients – gin, lime juice, and sugar.

Originating in the 19th century, the Gimlet’s history is intertwined with the challenges faced by British sailors combating scurvy during their long voyages. Lime rations were introduced to address this health concern, often mixed with modest amounts of neutral spirit for preservation.

Initially, the lime juice preservation involved adding 15% rum. However, in 1867, Lauchlin Rose, the proprietor of a shipyard in Leith, Scotland, revolutionized this method. He patented a process that utilized sugar instead of alcohol for preserving lime juice, which led to the development of a product with an extended shelf life.

He anticipated that this innovation would create a new market for those seeking a non-alcoholic preserved lime juice. Ultimately, he named his product ‘Rose’s Lime Juice Cordial‘.

Attributing Gimlet’s creation to a specific individual becomes a historical puzzle. Some sources credit Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, a British naval doctor, for making the cocktail popular, by treating his ship’s crew scurvy with gin and preserved lime juice. Others suggest it was named after the tool that drills small holes in wood. Regardless of its precise origins, the Gimlet has endured the test of time, evolving into an iconic member of the sour category of drinks.