Midweek Libations is this week pushed to Thursday, following the July 4th festivities yesterday. In a week where the whole country is celebrating its independence from Britain, what better cocktail to sip than a traditional British summer drink, the Pimm’s Cup.
Many Americans will not be familiar with this cocktail, or its main ingredient, Pimm's No.1. Pimm's No.1 is a dark, aromatic, gin-based spirit with a reddish-brown hue. Although the exact recipe of Pimm's No.1 is a closely guarded secret, there are obvious flavors of warm spice and citrus fruit. The gin base for Pimm’s No.1 Cup is reportedly based on a nineteenth century Booth’s London gin recipe. Pimm's is particularly popular in Southern England, where it has an important place in popular drinking culture. It is normally regarded as a summer drink, ideal for picnics, garden parties, and summer sporting events like cricket matches. 
Pimm's No.1 is the essential ingredient in the Pimm's Cup and can be found in most good liquor stores. To make, fill a tall glass pitcher with ice. Mix 1 part Pimm's No.1 with 3 parts chilled lemon soda (in England, this soda, much like Sprite, is called Lemonade but must not be confused with the American cloudy style lemonade drink). Add several sprigs of fresh mint and slices of fresh lemons, strawberries, oranges, apples and seedless cucumbers. Indeed one can really add any fruit you like (though passion fruit may be a bit messy and coconuts are just impractical). Stir a few times to mix the ingredients and serve.
If you can’t find any good lemon soda, Sprite, ginger ale or even tonic water may be used instead. You've now made the perfect British summer drink. Enjoy with some fresh cucumber finger sandwiches and relax.
Thank you RJH for another wonderful cocktail! See all the past Midweek Libations HERE!
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