The gimlet dates back to the 1800s, when officers in the British Navy would drink gin and lime juice to prevent scurvy. Some say the drink is named after Rear Admiral Sir Thomas Desmond Gimlette, a doctor who administered this "medicine" to shipmates. Some think it's named for the tool called a gimlet used to bore into barrels of spirits on Navy ships. (source) Either way, it's been kicking for a long time, and we're very glad.