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Prep time
6 hours
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Cook time
5 minutes
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makes
2 frozen gimlets
Author Notes
One of the oldest drinks in the world, the gimlet is known in essentially every spirits-producing country that has access to citrus. Its basic formula of sweet lime and clear spirit will speak to the ease and its prevalence across any border. As cited by Charles H. Baker in his chronicle *Around the World with Jigger, Beaker & Flask*, the gimlet is “simple, without fancy fizzings, and is one to experiment with…” Following his advice, I did some experimenting.
Using our sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka as the foundation, I wanted to accentuate the cool, refreshing aspects of this classic riff. And what’s more refreshing than a frozen beverage? In the early 20th century, the frappé was a common style of drink, using either crushed or shaved ice. These days, with freezers readily available, why not make ice throughout the drink?
Ever leave a bottle of alcohol in the freezer? If the proof is high enough, your spirit will get super-cooled without freezing. And due to the sugar content of this cocktail, the combination of the cordial and Tito’s will still remain a liquid in the freezer. The addition of the correct proportion of water is what leads us to our final form: a perfect frozen drink that will never freeze beyond that ideal consistency that’s perfect for summer sipping and beyond. —Harper Fendler
Test Kitchen Notes
This recipe is sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka.
*TitosVodka.com* Crafted to be savored responsibly. DISTILLED & BOTTLED BY FIFTH GENERATION INC. AUSTIN, TEXAS 40% ALC./VOL. ©2023 TITO’s HANDMADE VODKA. —The Editors
Watch This Recipe
Frozen Vodka Gimlet
Ingredients
- For the cocktails:
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5 ounces
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
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5 ounces
lime cordial
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2
lime wheels, brûléed with a sprinkling of cane sugar (for garnish)
- For the lime cordial:
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6 limes, zested and juiced (you should have about 10 ounces of juice)
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8 ounces
cane sugar
Directions
- For the cocktails:
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Add Tito’s, lime cordial, and 3 ounces of water to a Mason jar and shake to combine.
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Place the jar in the freezer for at least 6 hours (and up to 10 hours if your freezer requires a little extra time to chill). As long as your freezer is set to 0°F, your gimlets should remain at the ideal slush consistency.
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When you’re ready to serve, remove the jar from freezer, shake, and divide between two tumbler glasses. Garnish with brûléed lime wheel.
- For the lime cordial:
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Combine everything together in a blender until the sugar is fully dissolved.
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Strain into a resealable, air-tight container.
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