A COCKTAIL FULL OF WHIMSY

Savor the sweet and citrusy flavor of a Pimm’s Cup

Brits find almost nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day than a fruity Pimm’s Cup, a cocktail that never completely caught on in the States, but one that definitely should have.

Originally developed as a tonic to aid in digestion by James Pimm, who owned an oyster bar in 19th-century London, Pimm’s No. 1 was a secret mix of gin, quinine and a spice blend. Chestnut brown in color, Pimm’s contains subtle flavors of spice and citrus fruit.

This sweet, citrus concoction is a delightfully light and refreshing cocktail for warm, summer afternoons. While there are simpler recipes, we at the Inevitable Gentleman prefer this version from Bon Appetit magazine for additional fruit and herbaceous extras.

{Pimm’s Cup}

Ingredients

3-inch piece English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch slices, plus 2 spears (for garnish)

3/4 cup Pimm's No. 1

3 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice or regular lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Ice cubes

2 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme and mint

2 lemon slices

2 fresh strawberries, halved

Ginger beer, chilled

2 rhubarb stalks (for garnish)

Place 1/2-inch-thick cucumber slices in cocktail shaker. Using muddler or handle of wooden spoon, mash well. Add Pimm's, lemon juice, and sugar.

Fill two pilsner glasses with ice; set aside.

Add ice to Pimm's mixture, cover and shake vigorously 20 times. Strain into glasses.

Push one rosemary sprig, thyme sprig, mint sprig, lemon slice, and two strawberry halves down into each glass. Fill glasses with ginger beer. Garnish with cucumber spears and rhubarb stalks.