H&H Happy Hour: Pimm’s Cup
A Pimm’s Cup is to Wimbledon what a mint julep is to the Kentucky Derby. Produced in Great Britain with a low alcohol content (25% by volume) this is the perfect drink to help use up some of those cucumbers that are taking over your garden right about now.
This recipe is adapted from a bartender at a French brasserie in Brooklyn, NY called Le Barricou which I visit just about every time I am in New York.
- 4 slices cucumber with skin
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- 2-3 ounces Pimm’s
- Ginger ale
- Lemon slice or wedge for garnish
Add cucumber slices to a collins glass then squeeze a little lemon juice on top. Muddle gently (you remember the Muddler), especially on the skins to release the oil from the cucumber. Add the Pimm’s, then the ice cubes (bar tip: pouring alcohol directly over ice cubes will melt the ice and water down the drink). Add ginger ale to fill and garnish with a lemon wedge. Shake from one glass to another making sure the cucumber slices end up on top.
The essence of the cucumber every time you lift your glass really makes this one of the more refreshing summertime drinks around. There are of course variations to this recipe, one of which includes substituting the ginger ale with lemonade.
So sit back cut on some classic Benny Hill and enjoy yourself a Pimm’s cup! You will be “Bloody” glad you did.
H&H Happy Hour is written by Forest Hill resident, Tim Vidra, and is a bi-monthly summer series of cocktail recipes with a twist – often incorporating finds from his own organic garden. View these and more recipes at Tim’s food blog, E.A.T., advocating the use of simple local ingredients and sharing tips for how to incorporate them into dishes that will impress.
Love this drink–had it all the time when we lived in England. But, along with the cucumber, we’ve always used fresh mint in our Pimm’s Cups. Give it a go–the mint adds even more freshness to the flavour!
I can’t remember the last time I had a Pimm’s Cup. I think it was back when I was going to Foxfield every year…an exceptional drink for events like that due to the low alcohol content.
I think I’ll go out and buy some today and try thi this evening!
@Foust I have heard mint makes a nice addition also. Hard to believe you can make this drink anymore refreshing.
@SEW it is very funny how many people have commented that this drink brought back memories! I hope you made it out for a Pimm’s tonight!
E.A.T.
I love this! My husband is English and when we lived in England I drank quite a lot of Pimm’s ;)
Cheers to Wimbledon!
It is a great summertime drink, thanks for sharing. From my experience the most popular version has lemonade instead of ginger ale like you mention. But the English version of lemonade is what we call Sprite. Try it out sometime, it’s another refreshing twist.
Sounds great. Have the cucumber, have the gingerale, and even have mint growing in the backyard. Now, where do I to to buy some Pimm’s? I don’t remember ever seeing it at the ABC store.
Yes, ABC store although Forest Hill was sold out last weekend. They should be stocked back up now unless all you H&H’ers did a mad rush after reading this installment of H&H Happy Hour! Which would have made me proud!
I’m looking forward to having another one of these this weekend!
Thinks for the weekend jumpstart! The Pimm’s has been stored away for way too long…bring on the relaxation!
As a Brit I agree with the comment that lemon soda is better than Ginger ale and mint is a grat addition. I’ve had it with strawberries instead cucumber
Bought my Pimm’s today. About to mix one up now. Thanks for the inspiration!
@JohnE Well that is two suggestions for lemonade so I must try that!
@Meg let us know what you think!
Cheers
Tried this out tonight with some neighbors in a Landria Drive happy hour. Think I’ll try it next time with lemonade or sprite.