The Gimlet's story starts with long sea voyages and the ever-present threat of scurvy. In the 1800s, Lauchlan Rose patented a method to preserve citrus juice sans alcohol, thus Rose's Lime Juice Cordial was born. This happened to coincide with the need of the Royal Navy to keep their sailors healthy on long voyages.
According to folklore, the naval surgeon Sir Thomas Gimlette inspired the idea of adding this Lime cordial to the sailor's daily gin rations. Not only did it make the lime juice more palatable, but it also became a refreshing way to keep off scurvy. The name 'Gimlet' probably comes either from the surname of the naval surgeon or from the small tool used to tap barrels.
The drink became a favourite beyond the navy and started pouring into the civil world. Early in the 20th century, it found a place in the bars all around the globe. Its ease and refreshing nature saw it to fame during the prohibition era of America, when spirits of any reasonable quality were a rare thing and mixers could mask some rather inferior gin.
The Gimlet received a literary bump in 1953 when Raymond Chandler featured the drink in his novel 'The Long Goodbye'. His character, Philip Marlowe, referred to it as 'half gin and half Rose's Lime Juice and nothing else'.
Over the years, the recipe has evolved. Many modern bartenders prefer to use fresh lime juice instead of cordial, adjusting the sweetness with simple syrup. Some variations include adding a touch of Elderflower Liqueur or muddled cucumber for added complexity.
Today, the Gimlet remains a beloved classic, appreciated for its simplicity and versatility. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail.
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