createPimm's Number 1 Cup
British summers… strawberries and cream, punting at Oxford (go, look it up), 5-day cricket matches and that most qunintessential of English refreshments, Pimm’s (formally known as Pimm’s Number 1 Cup).
Legend has it that only six people have ever known the full list of ingredients that make up a bottle of Pimm’s (among them gin, bitters, quninine and herbs). It dates back to the mid 19th century, courtesy of James Pimm, the landlord at a well-known oyster bar in London who developed it as a health tonic. Its alochol content is a meagre 25% before mixing, so don’t expect to get too wasted. Careful though, it’s really more-ish.
Ready
- Pimm’s
- Lemonade (soda version)
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Cucumber
- Mint
- Ice
Set
- Jug
- Glass
Go
- Over a jug of ice mix two parts lemonade to one part Pimm’s.
- Add (approximately) a slice of lemon, apple, orange and cucumber per person. I like lots of cucumber.
- Finish with a sprig or two of mint.
I was recently introduced to this drink. I never would have tried it, if it were not for knowing a lot of British people. It is incredible. There is nothing better for an afternoon out in the sun.
It’s delicious and refreshing. And you can drink a good bit of it without making an a** out of yourself.
Who knew?
Also (and this is hard for me to say for certain, because I am a gin fan) I think this could be served to people who are gin adverse. After it is mixed down, it does not have a strong gin/juniper taste - it is really an incredibly ballanced drink.
Tell me what you eat, and I’ll tell you who you are.
This very recipe was served at a child’s birthday party (for the adults only) that I attended this past weekend. It was the perfect Sunday afternoon refreshment.