Celery and Lime Gimlet

If you've never had (or heard of) a gimlet before, it's basically a very refreshing cocktail made of gin and lime juice and variations on that. I think of it as the gin version of a daiquiri, but not always sweetened where daiquiris usually are in some way. I also almost always think of the movie, and book, Julie and Julia because the main character drinks gimlets often. :)

And as far as making at-home cocktails, this one is exceptionally delicious as well as super easy to make. Trey, my husband, gifted me a bunch of different flavored bitters for Christmas this past year, so I've been playing with those when I mix up cocktails lately. And that's how I started making this celery and lime gimlet.

Celery and Lime Gimlet, makes one

2 oz. gin
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
2 big dashes of celery bitters
ice for shaking
celery for garnish (optional)

In a cocktail shaker combine the gin, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters. Add ice and shake well.

You want to shake until the cocktail shaker feels very cold, almost frozen, to your hand. This will ensure your cocktail is not only well combined, but it also chills and adds just a little water. I love it when a gimlet, martini, etc. almost has little icicles in the drink at first, and you get that by shaking well.

Strain into a coupe and garnish with celery if using. Enjoy right away. ;)

Just a few notes for you all on this one:

-If gin just isn't your thing, you can swap out with vodka. The taste will be slightly different (I think gin has a very distinct flavor) but just as good and great with these flavors.

-Bonus points if you chill your coupe beforehand. We store ours at The Golden Girl Rum Club in a small refrigerator behind the bar. But at home, you probably don't have room in your refrigerator to store a few coupes all the time, so just pop them in the freezer 15 minutes before, and you'll be in business.

-For all you hardcore gimlet lovers out there, I realize that using the word "lime" in the name of this drink is a bit redundant but the celery bitters, although they certainly add a complexity to this, don't overpower the lime flavor. So I just felt it best described the taste. ;)

Happy cocktail shaking to you! xo. Emma

Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with the NEW A Beautiful Mess actions.