Time for another top-shelf serving of cocktail history from an expert in the field, this time from a new friend on staff at the Naval Academy –
…long time reader of Chi Wulff and former resident of Montana several decades ago while in my teens; it was there I fell in love with fly fishing on waters around Missoula.
Though fitness requirements of active duty prevent me from imbibing as much as I might otherwise be inclined, my wife and I do enjoy a well crafted cocktail now and again. May I submit The Classic Gimlet for your Thirsty Thursday, a simple masterpiece with a genuine naval tie.
To combat the ravages of scurvy, which had been devastating to the then dominant 19th century British navy in the century prior, British sailors sailed with (for the day) impressive stocks of limes on board, though they weren’t the most palatable fruit to eat as is.
Some credit Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette (in service 1879-1913) as the first to craft a Gimlet, offering a gin and lime cocktail to his officers and mates, again all in the interest of preventing scurvy. The rank and file British sailor wasn’t so fortunate to have a supply of gin, therefore his lime was mixed with rum to create ‘grog’ and eventually lead to the nickname of Limeys.
A Scottish entrepreneur, Lauchlan Rose, invented a sweetened lime cordial in 1867 and later than same year a law was passed requiring its supply on all British naval vessels in lieu of a cargo of limes.
Some still insist that Rose’s lime cordial is an essential ingredient in a true Gimlet, though I personally lean to the fresh lime version. Of note, Rose’s lime cordial is formulated with slightly different recipes in the UK vs. The States and changes the Gimlet slightly pending your location.
Here’s to a three ingredient classic that has stood the test of time.
We have nothing to add but to say a most sincere thanks for your service and cheers. Next time you’re in Montana the Gimlets are on us.
Ice Filled Shaker
2.5 ounces Gin
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce simple syrupGarnish with a fresh lime wheel
Add the gin, fresh lime juice and simple syrup to an ice filled shaker; shake well and strain into chilled glass of your choice. (Use an ounce of Rose’s Lime Cordial in lieu the fresh juice and simple syrup if desired.)
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Enjoy.
