Classic Gimlet Cocktail

Food
By Molly Chebet | Aug 09, 2024
Classic Gimlet Cocktail (Photo: iStock)

This recipe is for all gin lovers. The simple recipe entails combining gin and lime syrup then stirring the mixture to perfect dilution with a lot of ice cubes. Most of you must have tried the Gimlet Cocktail with friends and enjoyed it. It is prepared in 5 minutes plus an extra 15 minutes if you are making the syrup.

INGREDIENTS:

50ml Gin.

50ml Homemade lime syrup or lime cordial.

Lots of Ice cubes.

In order to garnish, you can use a slice of lime and an edible flower or Rosemary sprig. This is optional.

IN ORDER TO MAKE HOMEMADE LIME SYRUP.

2 Limes, grated Zest and Juice.

200g Caster sugar.

METHOD:

STEP 1.

Start by putting a martini glass in the fridge to chill.

STEP 2.

Carefully, pour 50ml of the lime syrup or cordial into a jug or tall glass and add a few ice cubes and the gin. Stir until the outside of the container feels very cold.

STEP 3.

Strain the mixture into your chilled glass and garnish with a slice of lime and an edible flower or a sprig of Rosemary.

STEP 4.

For the homemade lime syrup, put the lime zest into a saucepan. Squeeze the juice from both limes into a measuring jug (stop when you get to about 60ml,) then top it up with water so you have 100ml of liquid in total. Pour this into your pan with the caster sugar. Heat very gently, stirring occasionally just until the sugar has dissolved, but don't let it boil. Strain the mixture into a heatproof jug and leave to cool. Makes 280-300ml. Lasts up to two weeks.

This recipe is by Mirriam Nice from BBC Good Foods. The Gimlet Cocktails dates back to over 150 years ago. It gets its name from the tool used to boreholes in wood referred to as a Gimlet Drill Bit. A legend states that the cocktail hails from an alleged inventor from the British Army.

The British Royal Navy doctor called Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette instructed some British sailors to combine a ration of gin with lime juice in lieu of making a preventive medicine against scurvy. It is reportedly believed to be another tale explaining on the origin of the Gimlet cocktail. Remember, excessive consumption of alcohol is harmful to your health. ENJOY!!

Share this story
Kenya U20 coach Juma issues rallying call as Tanzania lie in wait
Rising Starlets take on Tanzania’s Tanzanite Queens in a U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Giants, underdogs begin FKF Cup hunt
The 2026 FKF Cup begins this weekend, marking the start of Kenya’s oldest domestic knockout competition.
Local derbies light up Enterprise Cup quarters
The 2026 Enterprise Cup moves into the in-country quarter-final stage this weekend.
Nairobi City steal the thunder after bagging new mega deal
National basketball league champions Nairobi City Thunder have made yet another milestone by securing a multi-million sponsorship two-season deal with Flutterwave’s Send App.
Blow as Simader abruptly pulls out of Games
Kenya will be represented by only Issa Laborde Gachiringi at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy following a late withdrawal of Sabrina Simader.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS