Pimm's Cup

 

I prefer to have any sort of mixed drink that involves fruit soaked in alcohol to be equal parts fruit and alcohol. For this reason, whenever I'm making a large batch of any fruity mixed drink I always slice fruit and let it soak a few hours in advance so it can be nice and saturated. This also adds flavor to whatever alcohol you are using, whether it's wine for sangria or, in the case of this recipe, Pimm's. I love fruit, so my goal after all of the liquid alcohol is gone is to be able to keep enjoying the drink via a fruit cocktail (literally). Who wouldn't want a delicious little snack at the end of their drink? 

Pimm's Cups are my new favorite boozy fruit drink. Pimm's is variety of gin, but it has much more flavor which makes it perfect when absorbed into fresh fruit. I think it tastes a bit like tea.  I don't like gin and I don't like tea, but I like Pimm's. Go figure.

Sadly, the days are numbered for delicious fresh fruit filling our farmer's markets and grocery stores. So, you're all going to need to make these cocktails as soon as possible. It's really a spring and summertime drink, but considering it's 90 degrees this week in DC I don't think fall is here quite yet. If you want to get aggressive with the amount of fruit you use (like I do) cut up any fresh, in-season fruit you can find. I like it with strawberries, plums, peaches, raspberries and apples. I always add limes and lemons as well. The goal is to use fresh, bright fruit. However, I'm going to give everyone the original recipe first so you can choose whether to keep it simple. If you want to take it up a notch, see my version of Pimm's Cups in the second recipe. I'm always serving a crowd, so I use the whole liter of Pimm's. The fruit soaks up a lot of the alcohol, so you don't end up with as much liquid as you would think. You may want to warn your guests of this when they are eating the boozy fruit. It packs a punch.

Enjoy!

Original Pimm's Cups
1 part Pimm's No. 1
3 Parts Lemonade
Add some Mint, Cucumber, Orange and Strawberry

Mix and serve in a tall glass over ice.

Sarah's Pimm's Cups

Serves 8+

1 Liter Pimm's No. 1

Sliced Fresh Fruit (crisp apples, strawberries, plums, peaches/nectarines, lemons and limes)

Ginger Ale, Sparkling Lemonade or Lemon-Lime Spda

Toss all fruit together and place in one or two large pitchers. Pour entire liter of Pimm's into pitcher (or divide evenly between pitchers). Let soak for 3+ hours. Do not add mixers, as they will lose their carbonation during this time.

When ready to serve, pour Pimm's liquid into tall glasses filled with ice, keeping about a one part Pimm's to 3 parts mixer ratio in mind. Pour in mixer of choice -- ginger ale, sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime soda. Add in a scoop or two of the Pimm's soaked fruit. 

Always serve cold. The fruit will taste delicious, so a key part is eating the fruit as well. You'll have leftover fruit after all of the Pimm's is gone. Don't waste it! It's good for you, obviously.