Pimm's Cup
Quite possibly the poshest cocktail on the planet.
by Erin Henderson
My first job as a sommelier was at a private racquet club. Of course, tennis was a major draw amongst members (we also offered squash, badminton, and pickle ball.)
The executive chef was a proper Englishman who taught me many things: how to shuck an oyster, make classic steak tartare, and whip up a Pimm’s worthy of his countrymen.
Pimm’s is a gin-based liqueur, ruddy in colour, the 200-year-old recipe top-secret. To make a proper Pimm’s Cup, well, you certainly need Pimm’s, but recipes range (as does the hysteria as to what is “right”) from lemonade, to lemon-lime soda, to ginger beer. A fantastic array of garnish also feature proudly on the drink – some with a basketful of fruit that would rival Carmen Miranda’s hat.
I like the way Andrew taught me: simple and streamlined, a mix of Pimm’s with spicy ginger beer and a refreshing ribbon of cucumber and understated plume of mint.
Pimm's Cup
During my time at the racquet club, we slung quite a few of these mahogany cocktails. Wimbeldon or not, Pimm's makes for a refreshing tipple on a summer patio.
Makes: 1 drink
Bartender level: easy
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Pimm’s
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1 long ribbon of English cucumber
- 1 sprig of mint
How to Make It:
- Peel off a lengthy ribbon of cucumber.
- Into a highball glass, line the cucumber strip along the side. Fill the glass with ice.
- Pour in the Pimm’s and top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and serve.
For a Crowd:
Makes: 8 drinks
Ingredients:
- 500 ml (2 cups) Pimm's
- 1000 ml (4 cups) Ginger beer
- 10-12 cucumber slices
- Handul mint sprigs
How to Make It:
- Place the cucumber and mint in a pitcher.
- Pour the Pimm's and ginger beer on top and stir to combine.
- Fill rocks or sturdy wine glasses with ice.
- Pour in Pimm's.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig, if desired.
