Good morning, kittens. It's Friday in New York City and I'm excited for an ambitiously social weekend. Ambitious because my natural tendency is to be a bit of a hermit crab, but I'm going for it.
So I have so much to talk about but really, all I want is a drink. And most likely, you're ready for one too, so let's have at it.
There were a few post SATC cosmo swilling moments where vodka drinks became super unstylish. Gin was always in and we all know getting down with brown (from bourbon to mezcal) is now the spirit of choice for the hyper bearded set. But for me, I'm feeling very much in a vodka mood of late, and since it's Summer and I need to cool off, behold my favorite cocktail of yesteryear- the gimlet. Vodka, please.
A gin gimlet is also lovely but I prefer vodka. Plus the gimlet is such a simple pleasure if it's done properly. Equal parts fresh and Rose's lime juice, some ice cold vodka, and a lime. Done.
I sourced an article from 2002 that the Times published about the humble gimlet, and it's a keeper. From the piece:
"The gimlet's logic seems clear to me: gin or vodka, with Rose's Lime Juice and fresh lime juice in equal parts, shaken or stirred until ice cold and served straight up in a stemmed cocktail glass that is confident but not proud of its sex appeal. A standard martini glass with a light weight does nicely. The garnish -- and a gimlet should have it (it's green water without one) -- is a thin crescent moon of lime, floated in the drink invitingly, not perched on the side like a timid swimmer looking at a cold lake. Making a gimlet icy gives it smoothness when sipped."
Love this logic and will most likely employ it tonight. The piece goes on to note that the secret to a great gimlet is having the liquor be ice cold- having grown up in a family where there was always a bottle of Stoli in the freeze, I'm all about it. Sure there are a million variations now that add club soda or basil infusions, but I'm going pure and classic with mine, right down to serving it in a classic martini glass, though I'm not mad at a gimlet on the rocks in a tumbler either.
Here's the recipe from the article- perfection- with either vodka or gin:
VODKA/GIN GIMLET
From Fifty Seven Fifty Seven Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel
4 ounces vodka (or gin if you insist)
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce Rose's Lime Juice
1 thin lime wedge.
Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake, and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge.
Yield: 1 serving.
I'll have two. Cause that's what's up this never too early for cocktails kind of summer Friday in NYC. Yours, in healthy pours. XO