I can’t believe February is almost over. I’m glad of it since I can’t wait for spring to come. Although March seems to always be the snowiest month here in Minnesota. Since we haven’t had much snow yet this winter, March might be a doozy! In fact, we have a snow storm headed our way right now and it sounds like we are going to get dumped on tomorrow. Speaking of February, we are at the peak of flu season right now. Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C which may help prevent cold and flu (although the data on that is a bit spotty, a nice glass of OJ sure tastes good when you have a cold). In the olden days, limes and other citrus fruits were used by British sailors to prevent scurvy. Supposedly a General Gimlette came up with a gin and lime juice drink to get the sailors to take their daily dose (according to Wikipedia). Thus, the gimlet was created. By the way, this is also the origin of the term “limey.”
Traditionally, a gimlet is made with Rose’s lime juice, which unfortunately contains high fructose corn syrup. I thought I’d try a fresh version of the drink. My hubby found a recipe in one of our bar tending books that sounded fabulous. I love gin and I’ve had gimlets before, but never with fresh lime juice. It’s very tart, but delicious. We had a neighbor friend over for dinner and I served these. We all agreed it would be good in the summer. A very refreshing drink. Be sure to shake very well with ice!
The Gimlet
from The Ultimate A to Z Bar Guide by Sharon Tyler Herbst
2 oz. gin
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1 tsp. confectioners’ sugar
Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker over ice and shake well. Strain into cocktail glass. Optional: the rim of the glass may be dipped in lime juice and then granulated sugar before pouring the drink in.
