A Pimm's Cup is basically a British version of fruity, alcoholic lemonade and is particularly great as a hot weather drink. For some reason, this is the cocktail I associate with England, probably because I had more Pimm's Cups while drinking in England then any other cocktail. It seems, after tea,
Pimm's Cups are the second most popular English national beverage and everybody has their own version*.
Pimm's Cup #1 is a gin based liquor containing a secret mixture of herbs, fruits and spices and was originally created by James Pimm as an aid to digestion. The Pimm's Cup #1 cocktail is comprised of Pimm's Cup #1, lemons or lemonade, mint, seltzer or soda water and fruits. Cucumber (yes, cucumbers are classified as fruit!) is the most common, though apples, berries and other assorted fruits can also be employed.
When I went to buy a bottle I discovered there was a
Pimm's Blackberry and Elderflower Liqueur version and curiosity got the better of me so I bought that instead of the Pimm's Cup #1. I'm very glad I did, I loved it and it gave me an opportunity to create my own version of a Pimm's Cup!
As the weather heats up here in the Americas why not have a go with this summery and delicious cup of Martini Diva style English cheer.
PIMM'S BERRY CUP #1
INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 Oz. Pimm's Blackberry & Elderflower Liqueur
3 Oz. Lemon Juice
1 Oz. Mint Simple Syrup
Seltzer or Soda Water
1/2 C. Fresh Blackberries
3 - 4 Fresh Strawberries
1/3 Cup Diced Cucumber
Lemon Wedge
Cucumber Strip(s)
2 or 3 Blackberries
Large Strawberry
Mint Sprig
TOOLS: Tall Collins style glass, Paring knife, Muddler, Measuring cups, Jigger.
DIRECTIONS:
In your tall glass muddle the half cup of fresh blackberries, the 3 or 4 strawberries, the diced cucumber, a few mint leaves and the mint simple syrup.
Add your ice, pour in the Pimm's and lemon juice, stir then top off with your soda.
Slide a cucumber slice down the inside of the glass, garnish with a few blackberries, a strawberry, a lemon wedge and the mint sprig then enjoy!
CAN THIS BE A MOCKTAIL?
Sure! Just leave out the booze, but it's not a Pimm's Cup if you do so let's just call it a BERRY SPRITZER!
SO, What to do with that fruit after you've finished the cocktail?
The fruit from your Pimm's Berry Cup cocktail is basically macerated fruit** which is a popular dessert ingredient. Don't toss it away! You can give your guests a long spoon and let them enjoy the macerated fruit at the end of their cocktail or let them spoon it over ice cream, Mascarpone cheese or cake. I saved mine and the next day I made a trifle with some day old donuts I had!
DRUNKEN DONUT TRIFLE
Pick out a cute wide mouth glass or bowl then simply layer in this order:
1 Day Old Donut
Leftover Macerated Fruit**
Yogurt, Whipped Cream or Ice Cream
Garnish with berries, mint sprig
Let it sit for a while to allow that dry, day old donut to soak up all the booze and juices before adding your creamy topping.
* The Pimm's Cup is also a traditional drink of Wimbledon, popular at polo matches and is also very popular in New Orleans where they tend to really pile on the fruits!
** With reference to food, "Macerate" means to soften or become softened by soaking in a liquid. Generally fruits are macerated in a liquor, syrup, vinegar or sugar (the sugar draws the moisture out of the fruit which creates the liquid for maceration). As the fruits soak in the liquid they will draw in the flavors. It's like marinating meat, but for fruit!
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
