Fresh Juice Gimlet

“You best come correct when you make me that fresh juice Gimlet!” A phrase heard multiple times a night in a bar that I ran that shall remain nameless. It was a silly phrase, but one that had meaning nonetheless.

When people ask me how I can remember all of these different cocktails, the fresh juice Gimlet is always my answer. Why call it a fresh juice Gimlet instead of just a Gimlet? I’m glad you asked.

The Gimlet was originally made with Gin and a bit of Rose’s lime juice and purists swear that this is the only way to make a Gimlet. A more modern take on the Gimlet uses fresh lime juice and simple syrup to create the sweetened lime juice effect that Rose’s has. Personally, I prefer the fresh juice variation. It tends to be brighter and cleaner than its counterpart and lets the gin shine through.

Jump to Recipe

The idea of gin and preserved lime juice dates back to the days of the Royal British Navy and the prevention of scurvy. Long voyages out at sea usually meant that the men on board had very little access to fresh produce and would often develop scurvy due to the lack of Vitamin C. To combat this epidemic, vessels that went out to see on extended voyages carried with them preserved lime juice. They also carried gin. Each man was given a ration of gin and preserved lime juice – two great tastes that taste great together.

So what does this have to do with remembering cocktails?

The fresh juice Gimlet can essentially be the blueprint for most fresh juice cocktails. In fact, it’s one of the first cocktails I make sure any newly minted bartender can make. Here’s some examples that show that if you can make a fresh juice Gimlet, you can make most things:

• Instead of serving the Gimlet up, serve over ice in a tall glass with soda water and you have a Gin Rickey.
• Switch the gin for rum (or rhum) and you have a Daiquiri (although most suggest that a Daiquiri should have a touch more lime than a Gimlet).
• Switch the lime for lemon (and add egg whites) and you have a Gin Sour.
• Switch the lime for lemon and serve over ice in a tall glass with soda and you have a Tom Collins.

This list could go on for days. But, you get the idea. Learn how to make this drink well, and most other drinks have clear connections to this simple, beautiful cocktail.

If you need a 1:1 simple syrup recipe, go here.