The Best Garnish For Your Gimlet Is A Zesty Classic

The gimlet is a sophisticated cocktail, but what's now being sipped by society's most elegant was created by hardy British sailors. Let's take a look back to the late 19th century. Aboard ships, long periods without any fresh fruits or vegetables led to vitamin C deficiency, causing scurvy. To combat this, sailors would drink lime cordial, which isn't pleasant on its own. So in true British fashion, they mixed the cordial with gin to make it more palatable, and the gimlet was born.

Fast forward to today, the gimlet has made its way off ships and into cosmopolitan, atmospheric bars, usually swirling around in a chilled coupe or martini glass. But while the ingredients are simple, how you present it can elevate the experience further. To find out the best garnish for a gimlet, Food Republic consulted with Rocco Carulli, owner of R HOUSE. His verdict? The lime wheel.

"A lime wheel is the classic choice — it floats, it's pretty, and it matches the drink's round, citrusy profile," Carulli told us. To make a lime wheel, trim the ends off and start slicing lengthwise until you reach your desired size. Be careful not to make them too thick — they'll become an obstacle rather than an embellishment. "A wide lime peel expressed over the top brings those essential oils to the surface and gives the whole cocktail a more aromatic, elevated finish," he added. As for shapes to avoid, Carulli advised: "Wedges? Save those for your tacos. A gimlet deserves elegance."

If you want to add creative flair to your gimlet while staying true to its classic garnish, Rocco Carulli recommended, "Try a dehydrated lime wheel for something visually striking with a touch of bitterness." Dehydrated lime wheels are super fun and easy to make at home. All you've gotta do is slice your limes, place them on a lined baking tray, and then bake them at the lowest temperature your oven can manage (think 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit) for 4 to 6 hours, remembering to flip them halfway through  (you can also use an air fryer). Prepare a big batch and store it in these space-saving containers, so you can have them on hand if you ever need to quickly whip up an elegant cocktail. 

Want your drink with a twist? Carulli advised, "Or go micro — a twist of lime zest clipped to the rim with a mini clothespin." This will add an extra layer of pizzazz to your gimlet. Just use a sharp knife or a peeler, carefully cut a strip of peel from a lime, trim the rough edges, and then twist it. You could also ditch the clothespin and put it directly in the cocktail to mingle the flavors, or cut a slit in the skin and place it on the glass rim. For a more complex flavor profile, "infuse the peel with a drop of elderflower or yuzu oil for a subtle twist that doesn't disrespect the gin and lime marriage," Carulli suggested. You could also play with the flavor profile and make something balanced, like a gimlet with yuzu and sesame.