Summertime Libations

It’s hot outside and enjoying a cool crisp summer cocktail is a great way to enjoy a lazy afternoon or relax after a long day.

Pimm’s Cup is the quintessential British summer drink.  Although most famously enjoyed by spectators at Wimbledon, cricket matches and sailing regattas, this refresher with its unique herbaceous tang can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, anytime.

“Pimm’s” is both the name given to this long mixed drink as well as being the proprietary name of the gin-based, delicately spicy, iced-tea-colored spirit that serves as its base.  At a relatively low 25% alcohol, Pimms No. 1 Cup (the spirit) blends nicely with lemonade, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale and is garnished with cucumber and lemon to make a Pimm’s Cup.

Pimm’s Cup 
(makes one drink)

1.5 ounces Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
lemonade (or ginger ale or lemon-lime soda) 
lemon slices
, cucumber slices 
(optional: orange slice, fresh borage and/or mint leaves, apple slices, strawberry)

Fill a Collins glass half with ice and a few slices of cucumber, borage leaves or other garnishes.  Add measure of Pimm’s, then top up glass with lemonade or soda.  Stir gently and add additional ice if needed.  Garnish with slices of lemon and cucumber.

Cheers!