How To Make A Raymond Chandler Cocktail

Looking for how to make a Raymond Chandler cocktail (aka, a Gimlet)? As detailed in Raymond Chandler's novel "The Long Goodbye," published in 1952, "A real gimlet is half gin and half Rose's lime juice and nothing else." Ugh. For the purposes of this articles, we'll stick with that but see the Tips and Tricks section below for ways to personalize what could be a delicious cocktail.

To make a Raymond Chandler cocktail, you will need:

• Two ounces of the best gin available. Don't skimp on the gin quality as it's the focus of this cocktail.
• One ounce of Rose's lime juice
• Lime wedges for garnish
• A cocktail shaker
• A martini glass
• Ice

1. Fill the martini shaker half full of ice.
2. Add in the gin and Rose's lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously at least thirty seconds.
4. Strain and pour into the chilled martini glass. Add a piece of lime as garnish. Enjoy? Maybe not so much. Read on.

Tips and Tricks:

• If you're not a true lime fan, make a Raymond Chandler cocktail by deleting the Rose's lime juice from the martini shaker. Instead, squeeze a quarter of a fresh lime directly into the martini glass. Swirl and discard the liquid. Shake the gin in the cocktail shaker as detailed above, strain and pour.
• If you want a really dry Gimlet, just take a piece of fresh lime and run it around the martini glass rim. Forget about adding any more lime juice. Shake the gin in the cocktail glass, strain and drink up.
• If you want a really really dry Raymond Chandler cocktail, shake the gin in the cocktail shaker. Strain into the glass and add a twist of lime peel. Yum.