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The gimlet is a legendary gin-based cocktail that dates to the 1860s. The drink was originally conceived as an antidote for Royal British Navy sailors who were suffering from scurvy. Over time, it was blended with ingredients, such as water and lemon juice, and the rest is history. The drink is popular today for its delicious taste that refreshes the palate. Gin has a neutral flavour; however, the addition of zesty lemon and chilled water infuse the spirit with an invigorating punch, tickling one’s taste buds and keeping them coming back for more.
Despite the gimlet’s celebrated status, one question has been confounding both mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts for generations. What is the best way to mix this drink? Should it be shaken or stirred? This article will attempt to address this generations-spanning question by going through a detailed analysis of both the mixing methods. Not only will the article cover the finer details and idiosyncrasies of each method but also highlight what impact each method has on the drink; how it affects the drink’s quality, and so on. Let’s begin.
What Is Shaking?
Shaking is commonly implemented for cocktails that use ingredients like egg whites, syrups, and fruit juices. As lemon cordials are a primary ingredient of gimlets, shaking would be an ideal way to blend the gin with the syrup. Shaking also aids in enhancing the texture and flavour profile of the drink. So, how does shaking work? The ingredients of the beverage plus ice are combined in a cocktail shaker, and shaken powerfully; subsequently, the cocktail is strained into a cocktail glass. This method enables aeration, which gives the gimlet a rich and effervescent texture.
Image Credits: Freepik
The blending of ice in the shaker ensures fast chilling and dilution of the drink; it also imbues the drink with a rejuvenating taste. Similarly, shaking forms tiny air bubbles that give the beverage a smooth texture, enhancing the overall drinking experience. Lastly, the act of shaking helps release the fragrant compounds from ingredients, which strengthens the aroma of the gimlet. To conclude, shaking produces a frothy and a tasty gimlet with high visual appeal.
What Is Stirring?
Bartenders typically utilise this method when they wish to retain the cocktail’s integrity and clarity. Stirring highlights the gin’s botanical elements as well as the mild flavours generated through the lemon cordial. Stirring is performed by melding the ingredients with ice in a stirring glass, and lightly stirring the concoction with a spoon, post which it is strained into a cocktail glass. Stirring typically gives drinks a polished and a velvety texture.
Image Credits: Freepik
The advantages associated with stirring the gimlet include enabling a more controlled dilution as opposed to shaking, which leads to the crafting of a beverage that has a more wholesome and intense flavour profile. As the concoction is stirred and strained, the drink’s clarity remains untouched, and lastly, in the absence of aeration, the drink produces an easy and a refined sensation in one’s mouth. When it comes to stirring, keep the garnishing minimal as the major focus puller should be the remarkable clarity of the gimlet.
Shaking Or Stirring: A Matter Of Choice
According to the points noted above, it’s quite clear that both the methods work wonderfully when it comes to crafting the perfect gimlet. There’s no right or wrong method, other than your personal preference and choice. If you want your gimlet to have a thick, cloud-like texture, ask your bartender to employ the shaking method. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and silky texture, ensure that your drink is stirred.
Also consider what ingredients are being used; these ingredients play a role in determining whether a gimlet should be shaken or stirred. For instance, a gimlet comprising homemade lemon cordial will benefit from the aeration offered by the shaking technique. On the other hand, stirring will enable the botanical elements of the gin to stand out, elevating the overall flavour profile of the spirit.
