GirlsGuideTo | Thirsty Thursday: Pimm’s Cup

So in case you’ve been living under a rock, the Olympics start tomorrow and we are excited. I think we’ve written about a dozen articles claiming how excited we are, because it’s true! Don’t be surprised if our Twitter feed is taken over by Olympics next week…Anyway, if you are going to watch the Opening Ceremony or partake in any Olympic themed events over the weekend, there are several ways to approach your adult beverage consumption strategy. You could go the all American route and show your national pride by drinking only American beer or a patriotic cocktail like a Berry Spritzer. You could celebrate the fact that the Olympics brings the whole world together and try different beers (or wines) from around the world. I can see my husband going crazy with this idea! Or, you could turn into an Anglophile and show your love for the host country, England.

That’s where this cocktail comes in. The Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is a classic British cocktail that is especially perfect for daytime outdoor drinking. I know you always see it at the Royal Ascot or at polo matches where Kate Middleton looks effortlessly amazing and Harry and Wills look dashing in their polo uniforms. Ok, maybe only I see it. I kinda went on a I’m-obsessed-with-royals tangent there. But the Pimm’s Cup is really, really yummy.

Pimm’s is a liqueur that is gin-based and tastes spicy and citrusy. It also gives any drink a really beautiful red/tea color. The most popular way it is served is in the Pimm’s Cup which adds lemon-lime soda, various fruits, and mint. It’s super refreshing and will make you feel as much like Kate Middleton as possible. I promise!

Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
Serves 6

Ingredients
1 large cucumber, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices or spears

1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved

2 small lemons, cut into 1/4 inch thick rounds

1 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish

3 cups Sprite

3 cups Pimm's No. 1

Ice

Directions
If you are serving this at a party, combine all the ingredients in a large punch bowl, and scatter a few mint leaves on top. If you are packing a picnic, load the cucumbers, strawberries, lemons, and mint leaves into separate sandwich bags. Play bartender and prepare each individual’s cup with ice, cucumbers, mint, and fruit, and use a 1:1 ratio of Pimm’s to lemonade or Sprite when pouring. Garnish with a few extra mint leaves.

And if you have a little time to prepare, try this “jelly shot” version. A-ma-zing.

Recipe from In the Small Kitchen by Cara Eisenpress and Phoebe Lapine/William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, 2011. Images from Monika Kotus.