Pimm's Anyone?

Since moving to Chicago I've learned that winter lasts for about 13 months, spring lasts a few days and then the hot, humid, sticky summer arrives. This is when a cooling drink is desperately needed, and any alternative to 'lite' beer is greatly appreciated. This is where Pimm's comes in.

There is one drink that is more quintessentially English than a nice pot of tea and that is Pimm's. Ones first Pimm's of the year is the signal that summer is finally here and it is enjoyed in England at all of the best garden parties, social occasions, picnics, polo matches, regattas and Royal visits. Alongside strawberries and cream it is one of the things that you positively HAVE to order when at Wimbledon taking in a spot of tennis. We served it at our wedding and the American guests loved it!

So what is Pimm's? Well, it was invented in London in the 1820’s and it is a gin based drink. It’s one of those drinks that you forget contains alcohol and end up drinking a glass too many – so be careful! It can be difficult to get a bottle but I found 6 bottles at our local Binny's, so I bought them all!

Recipe

Fill a glass with ice. I prefer a tall glass but a shorter tumbler is fine.

Mix one part Pimm's to three parts lemonade (or you could try ginger ale).

Add a combination of sliced lemon, apple, orange, strawberries and most importantly cucumber.

Top with a sprig of mint!

It’s actually easier to make a large jug of the cocktail and then you get to fish out your favourite (English spelling!) fruity bits.