Making Your First Gimlet? Avoid These Common Mistakes
Whether you are planning to attempt to make a gimlet for the very first time or you have tried to create the drink but have failed miserably, we are here to save you from making any more rookie mistakes. After all, knowing how to create a stunning gimlet can be a delightful addition to your mixology repertoire. Let’s look at some of the common mistakes that you can avoid while making this timeless drink.
Using Subpar Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will determine how good or substandard your gimlet will be. What gin and lemon cordial you use can make all the difference. In fact, if your lemon cordial is homemade, it can instantly elevate the taste of your gimlet. As a rule, always opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients as the taste will most certainly be reflected in the final concoction.
Not Selecting the Right Gin
A good gin is the foundation of a flavourful gimlet and getting it wrong can mess with the flavour profile of your drink. Not all gins work in a gimlet. A good rule would be to avoid overly complex or flavourful gins as they can easily overpower the simplicity of the drink. Instead, choose gins with juniper-forward profiles.
Getting Your Ratios Incorrect
When creating a gimlet, it’s all about balancing out the proportions of ingredients in your drink. A classic gimlet often uses a 2:3 ratio of gin to lime cordial. You can always adjust these proportions based on your taste preferences but make sure to not overpower the drink by using too much sweetener.
Using Store-bought Lemon Juice
Freshness is the key to creating a stunning gimlet. Don’t go for convenience and use lemon juice from a bottle. It will take you no more than five minutes to extract the juice from a few lemons and trust us when we say that it will make all the difference to your cocktail. The resulting flavour will be quite discernable, and will only elevate the cocktail’s overall freshness and appeal.
Overlooking the Quality of Ice
As inconsequential as it may seem, ice does play a major role in the quality of your gimlet. Low-quality ice–one that melts very quickly–can result in over-dilution of the cocktail. So, invest in good quality ice cubes as it will not only enhance the chilling process but will also maintain the integrity of your drink.
Overlooking the Mixing Method
Should you serve your gimlet shaken or stirred? While neither option is incorrect, the technique you use will affect the texture of your gimlet. Shaking introduces aeration to the drink and results in a refreshing, frothy texture. Stirring results in a drink that feels smoother and silkier in the mouth. Experiment with both methods and find the one you like best.
Neglecting Garnishes
So what if you are making a gimlet just for yourself? It doesn’t mean you skimp on garnishing. Garnishes are added not just for visual appeal but also to contribute to the overall aroma and taste of the drink. Something as simple as a wedge or twist of lemon can add a burst of citrus aroma, making the drinking experience pleasurable.
Rushing the Process
As you would spend time chopping up ingredients and then sauteing them in a pan until they all come together to form an appetising meal, so should you patiently measure and mix your drinks. Don’t be in a rush as it will only result in an unevenly blended cocktail. Moreover, savour the process of creating the drink; respect it as a craftsman would to his profession.
Remember that creating a gimlet is not just about making a drink, it’s about immersing yourself in the experience to a point where you are eager to craft your next cocktail.
