Tequila Gimlet

It is always good to take a moment to look around and appreciate how good things are, even when they are not so great. I try to be mindful of that, especially when a day is frustrating or I’m feeling down and missing friends during these “unprecedented times”. Truth is, it’s not always easy, but it helps. So let’s have a drink and dig into our reflections. Won’t you join me now as we stand and make a Tequila Gimlet. 

A gimlet is traditionally made with gin, lime juice and sugar, but this simple recipe lends itself to lots of variations. It is one of the basics to keep in your tool kit, since it is quick to whip up with easy to find ingredients. If you find a bottle of lime cordial, like Rose’s, the sugar and juice are already combined and you can just add gin. It’s a thing. So let’s break the recipe with this interesting riff. 

Grab your tins and pop in 2 ounces of Tequila, I went with Kah Añejo for the cool Memento Mori vibe; 1 ounce of fresh squeezed lime juice and 3/4 of an ounce of simple syrup. I also tossed in 2-3 drops of 18-21 Havana and Hide bitters for good measure. Add ice and shake to the beat of Tom Waits “Black Wings“ till your tins get cold. Do not, seriously, do not kill a man with a guitar string. Do double strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a lime wedge. 

It is simple. It is smooth. It is perfect. Gimlets often are. The tequila brings a nice change to this classic, I will have to try it with mezcal soon. Make this drink, find some joy, turn yourself into a stranger, if you must. 

I’ve always loved the concept of Memento Mori, which is Latin for “remember that you have to die”. Not in a morbid way, just as a reminder to appreciate the things you have. My favorite bible verse, yeah I know some of you are shocked, don’t worry I have a favorite Quran verse as well. Anyway, the one that sticks with me is from Ecclesiastes, Chapter 9, Verses 7-10.

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works. Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no oil. Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life which he has given you under the sun…Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

I like the comfort in that. You get one trip through the fun house, enjoy it. Don’t hold back, don’t leave things undone, because when it’s over, it’s over. There is a beauty and a symmetry in living fully, prepared for what comes next, but not being so fixated on the end that you miss the beauty of the journey. That’s what I’m trying to do anyway, with my white raiment, fancy hair oils, and the wife that I love. Go and do likewise, with your own wife, of course. Stay safe, stay hydrated and stay sane, my friends.