Introduction to the Gimlet
The gimlet is a classic cocktail that is perfect for summer, with its tart and sweet flavors making it a refreshing drink for the warmest months. Cocktails are a wonderful thing because they offer such a wide array of flavors, and everyone has their favorite, often predicated by the season.
Seasonal Preferences
Cooler months tend to lean on beverages crafted with warm spirits like bourbon or scotch, while in summer we crave bright and refreshing drinks to chase away the heat. Often that means building them around citrus. My oldest son, Dan, loves a sweet and cold tiki drink like a mai tai when it’s hot outside, while his wife, Carolann, wants to be transported to Italy with a sunset-colored Aperol spritz.
The Gimlet’s Origins
The gimlet is believed by some to have gotten its start as a preventative medicine. To prevent scurvy on British warships in the 1880s, sailors drank a daily ration of citrus juice. But the fruit often went bad during long voyages, so Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette suggested adding gin to make it more palatable, or so the story goes. Eventually, the drink made its way to bars, where it was embraced by the drinking public.
The Perfect Gimlet
Whether it was named after the admiral or the drilling tool that had a similar “penetrating” effect on sailors is anyone’s guess. What’s not debatable is that Fig & Ash in the North Side’s Deutschtown neighborhood makes one of the best gimlets in the city. It’s popularity in summer, says bar manager Rachel Sinagra, “is just one of those things, maybe because it’s citrusy and light.”
Rachel Sinegra from Fig & Ash on the North Side makes the perfect gimlet on June 26, 2025. (Lucy Schaly/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/TNS)
Crafting the Perfect Gimlet
With just three ingredients, it’s also incredibly simple. To make a gimlet that shines, however, you have to be very picky about the ingredients. To keep the drink refreshing, Sinagra says gin with a lemony undertone is essential. At Fig, they use Philadelphia-made Bluecoat, an American gin with a botanical, citrus-forward flavor. Also essential is freshly squeezed lime juice instead of a lime cordial like Rose’s lime juice, which is concentrated and heavily sweetened with high fructose corn syrup.
Tips for Making the Perfect Gimlet
To avoid diluting the drink, Sinagra builds it “dry,” meaning she adds the ice after the alcohol, juice, and simple syrup have been measured into the shaker. Then, she vigorously shakes it just enough to mix and chill it. She knows when to stop by the sound indicating the ice has cracked up into little chips. The final step is pouring the finished cocktail into the proper glassware — a coupe or a maybe a Nick & Nora.
The Classic Gimlet Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
Instructions
Combine gin, lime juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. Makes 1 cocktail. — Rachel Sinagra, Fig & Ash
Conclusion
The gimlet is a classic cocktail that is perfect for summer, with its tart and sweet flavors making it a refreshing drink for the warmest months. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-make instructions, it’s a great drink to enjoy at home or at your favorite bar.
FAQs
- What is the origin of the gimlet cocktail?
The gimlet is believed to have originated as a preventative medicine for scurvy on British warships in the 1880s. - What are the essential ingredients for a perfect gimlet?
Gin with a lemony undertone, freshly squeezed lime juice, and simple syrup are the essential ingredients for a perfect gimlet. - How do I make a classic gimlet?
Combine 2 ounces of gin, 3/4 ounce of fresh lime juice, and 3/4 ounce of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until well-chilled and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. - What type of glass is best for serving a gimlet?
A coupe or a Nick & Nora glass is best for serving a gimlet, as they have a shallow, broad bowl that allows the drink to be enjoyed easily.
