Tequila Gimlet

The gimlet always seemed to me to be a poor man's Margarita. Even when made with gin, the recipe only called for liquor and lime cordial. No real lime juice or additional sugar was needed, just cheap syrup. I've even heard stories of people collecting snow because they didn't have a freezer for making ice.

Nowadays, no one would do a gimlet without fresh lime juice and simple syrup. The Tequila Gimlet is still simple, like a Margarita without triple sec.

• 3 oz. silver tequila
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 

Vodka Gimlet

Sometimes this sort of thing just happens at work. Someone actually knows what a gimlet is and asks for it, not only by name but also requests that I not use Rose's lime cordial.

Of course all the original recipes of gimlets call for a lime cordial for simplicity. No need to add sugar or squeeze anything. This was the DIY cocktail of DIY cocktails. Even the basest home bartender could swing it.

Now, though, we have an aversion to corn syrup and fake stuff. The only corn in this drink is the Tito's.

• 3 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup

 Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.