Classic Cocktail
The
Pimm's Cup
If Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, the Pimm's Cup may be the season's unofficial cocktail. Unlike a lot of other warm weather drinks, this one didn't originate in some sunny, tropical locale—it actually hails from England. Which make sense. Cool and crisp, with a citrusy, herbaceous tang and served over tinkling cubes of ice, this gentlemanly elixir is as restrained as it is refreshing. The tea-hued gin-based liquor Pimm's No. 1 Cup is the foundation of the eponymous cocktail. It was invented in the 1840s by James Pimm, the owner of a London oyster bar, who marketed it as a health tonic. And well, if you need something to revive you on a hot summer afternoon, this sweetly spiced, low-alcohol tipple will cure what ails you.
Ingredients
2 oz
Pimm's No. 1
4 oz ginger ale or sparkling lemonade
Slice of cucumber
Slice of citrus (lemon or orange)
Sprig
of mint
Technique
1.)
Fill highball glass with ice.
2.)
Add Pimm's, then top with ginger ale.
3.)
Stir gently, then toss in cucumber and citrus.
4.)
Garnish with a mint sprig.
Variations
The Brits tend to add more fruit, so feel free to chuck in some berries or slices of apple or melon. You can also kick up the potency with a splash of gin.
FYI
Having friends over? Make like they do in England and whip up a batch in a large pitcher.