Shake Up Your Cocktail Game: A Modern Twist on the Classic Gimlet Recipe

The Gimlet, a classic cocktail made with gin, lime juice, and a splash of sweetness, has been a staple in bars and homes for over a century. But, let's face it, sometimes the classics need a little updating to keep them fresh and exciting. That's why we're shaking things up with a modern twist on the classic Gimlet recipe.

The Original Recipe: A Brief History

The Gimlet's origins date back to the mid-19th century, when British Royal Navy surgeon Sir Thomas Gimlette allegedly created the drink as a way to induce his sailors to take their daily dose of lime juice, which was essential in preventing scurvy. The original recipe consisted of gin, lime juice, and a splash of Rose's Lime Juice, a sweet and tangy cordial made with lime juice, sugar, and water.

A Modern Take: Fresh Flavors and Innovative Techniques

Fast-forward to the present, and we're introducing a modern spin on the classic Gimlet recipe. Our version incorporates fresh flavors and innovative techniques to create a refreshing, citrusy cocktail that's perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings.

Modern Gimlet Recipe:

• 2 oz gin (we recommend a London Dry Gin for its crisp, juniper-forward flavor)
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
• 1/2 oz basil-infused simple syrup (see below)
• Ice
• Fresh basil leaves and lime wedges for garnish

Basil-Infused Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan, and heat until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add the fresh basil leaves, and let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass bottle, and refrigerate until chilled.

Shake, Strain, and Serve

In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, lime juice, honey syrup, and basil-infused simple syrup. Fill the shaker with ice, and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass, and garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a lime wedge.

With its bright, citrusy flavors and subtle hint of basil, this modern Gimlet recipe is sure to become your new go-to cocktail for spring and summer gatherings. So, go ahead, give it a try, and shake up your cocktail game!