Gimlet

The gimlet is a classic gin and lime cocktail with its roots in the Royal Navy. in the 19th Century lime was given to sailors as a ration to ward of scurvy. To help to mask the taste of the tart lime (and presumably get a little bit drunk) sailors would mix their lime rations with their alcohol rations which at the time for Naval officers was gin. And so the combination of gin and lime as a drink was born. At the time the lime juice concentrate of choice was a brand called Roses. Created by Lauchlan Rose in Scotland, 1867, Rose's lime juice was the first fruit concentrate.

This drink with humble naval origins eventually featured in The Savoy Cocktail book that recommended an equal parts mic of Plymouth Gin and Roses lime cordial. 
In modern times the gimlet is still recognised as a classic cocktail but there is much discussion about the best way to make it. Do you use Lime juice and sugar, Roses cordial, equal parts, navy strength gin?
For me there are two main methods of making it that stand out. A ratio of 2:1 Gin to Roses Lime cordial, or a daiquiri style ratio of gin, lime juice and sugar. Both make for a delicious albeit very different drink.

Starting with the classic Gin and Roses cordial version. I opt for a 2:1 ratio rather than the Savoy's 1:1. For me this makes a gin forward drink, its botanical, biting and pleasantly bright. It's more akin to a lime flavoured martini than a classic sour. I choose to stir the mix to retain the clear lime green hue and silky mouthfeel.
This is perfect if you want a slow sipper that lets your gin shine through. For this recipe a good London Dry gin is essential, use navy strength if you are that way inclined but like a martini the key is that its a gin you enjoy.

Classic Gimlet
 - 60ml Gin
 - 25ml Roses Lime Cordial
Stir well with ice and strain into a cocktail glass

Next up, and my general go to recipe for a gimlet is a more modern creation. Replacing the lime juice with sugar syrup and lime juice to replicate the concentrated sweet lime flavour of Roses Cordial. This drink is super refreshing, extremely quaffable and a real crowd pleaser. A London Dry gin is still my preference for this drink but anything of decent quality with a good juniper note will work wonders. I choose to shake this variation since it has cloudy juice in it and because the aerated softer texture if more pleasant for this recipe.

Modern Gimlet
 - 60ml Gin
 - 20ml Lime Juice
 - 10ml Simple Syrup
Shake ingredients well with ice and double strain into a cocktail glass.

Once you have tried these recipes you can decide on how you like it. If you prefer the Rose's version but want it a little less strong on the gin then give the 1:1 ratio a go. You can even try making your own lime cordial (this video is a great starting point for doing that)
On of my favourite riffs on this drink is to simply rinse the glass with Green Chartreuse to add a big punchy herbal note in the background.

Let me know how you make your Gimlets and what your favourite variations are!