The Best Drink You’ve Probably Never Had
Most people in the United States have never had a Pimm’s Cup. Many have never heard of it.
But Pimm’s Cup is very popular as a summer drink in England (along with champagne, it’s the official drink of Wimbledon). It has a relatively low alcohol content, so you can enjoy a couple of tall cool ones at a picnic or sitting out on your patio — and still remain clear-headed.
Best yet, it’s a snap to mix. With Memorial Day a couple of weekends away, you’ve got plenty of time to lay in a supply of Pimm’s and learn how to make this great-tasting drink.
This recipe makes one drink. Serve in a tall high-ball or other voluminous glass.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 Cup (if you have a particularly tall glass, you can increase to 2 ounces)
- 2 ounces fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 large lemon; fresh-squeezed juice tastes much better than commercially prepared, but you can substitute in a pinch)
- ½ - 1 ounce simple syrup (or granular sugar; to taste)
- club soda or plain seltzer water to top up glass
- garnish (optional - cucumber spear or slices, mint, and/or apple, lemon, orange, or strawberry slices; see notes)
Procedure
- Assemble your ingredients. Juice lemon. Add simple syrup to juice to make lemonade. (Just add a bit of simple syrup, stir to incorporate, taste, and repeat if necessary until the lemonade suits your palate. I prefer lemonade on the tart side, so I use about ½ ounce of simple syrup.)
- Fill tall glass with ice. Add Pimm’s. Add lemonade. Top off with club soda or plain seltzer. Add straw, stir to mix, and garnish as you wish.
(via Kitchen Riffs: Pimm’s Cup – The Perfect Summer Cocktail)
