Patio Drinks: Pimm's Cups

I don't think I'd ever even heard of Pimm's before I moved to England. I think the first time I noticed it was while watching 30 Minute Meals, and Jamie Oliver drizzled some Pimm's over sliced strawberries that were waiting to be spooned on top of cream and meringue to become Eton Mess (I haven't tried this myself but it sounds like a solid idea if you ask me).

I was intrigued. Then summer rolled around and Pimm's Cups started to become a "thing". I was keenly aware of all the signs at pubs and restaurants advertising pitchers of Pimm's and lemonade (i.e. 7-Up or Sprite, to us North Americans). I knew enough to piece together that Pimm's No. 1 is gin-based, and I like gin, and therefore I should probably hop on this sweet, sweet Pimm's train ASAP.

Splitting a pitcher in London when family came to visit.

...And man, it's a patio drink if there ever was one. Fizzy, fruity, spicy, and fresh. Ordering a whole pitcher is somewhat dangerous in groups smaller than three. Dangerous, but not impossible.

Since we've had a handful of really hot days in Edmonton lately, I really had a craving for a tall, cold glass of Pimm's. Ginger ale and ginger beer are sometimes used in place of 7-Up or Sprite in this drink, and I think ginger beer + Pimm's is the best combination. It's fruity and zingy and a bit spicy. I used Old Tyme ginger beer, which is available at lots of supermarkets (they even sell individual bottles in the Caribbean section at Superstore).

These are so easy to make, and so quintessentially summery, you'll be wanting one at the end of every warm day. There's nothing wrong with being a bit of a summertime lush, right?

Pimm's Cup

2 shots Pimm's No. 1 Cup
1 slice lemon
1 slice orange
1 lengthwise slice cucumber
1 strawberry, sliced
Ginger beer, to top up (about half a bottle)
Fresh mint
Ice cubes

For a single drink: Fill a Collins glass halfway up with ice and add Pimm's. Add sliced fruit and more ice if you can fit it in. Top up with ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, and add a sprig of fresh mint for garnish.

To make a whole pitcher: Add 1 cup Pimm's to a big pitcher half filled with ice. Add slices from half an orange, half a lemon, half a cucumber, and about 6 strawberries. Top up with about 1 litre of ginger beer and stir it all together. Finish with a generous handful of fresh mint.