Ginger vodka gimlet: In 1928, the “gimlet” cocktail was coined after the piercing tool of the same name, and for good reason. Traditionally it’s made with four parts gin and one part sweetened lime juice. But at The Matchbox, a tiny tavern in River West that has been serving hand-shaken cocktails for 75 years, the most popular gimlets come with a twist. For example, the ginger-vodka gimlet forgoes the typical gin for a sensational ginger-flavored vodka — made in-house and infused behind the bar — shaken and served in a martini glass with fresh lime juice, a splash of syrup and a powdered-sugar rim. The tantalizingly tart confection also comes with the original cocktail shaker on the side, providing plenty of extra dregs for a refill. 770 N. Milwaukee, 312-666-9292
— Leah Pickett, special to the Tribune
