It's Pimm's O'clock!

[Phog Allen]

Good day gents. As summer approaches we who live in humid climates start thinking about our favourite ways to quench thirst and escape the sensation of near suffocation in the heavy summer air. For those times when water with lemon or a Perrier simply will not do, my old standby has always been a gin and tonic. Supremely simple, dry, effervescent, and thirst quenching. It is also a superb for cleansing the palate. There is a reason this combination is well known. Even amongst those who do not imbibe at all.

One drink which has always captured my imagination is the classic Pimm's No. 1 Cup. Why I haven't tried this is beyond me. If you go to Pimm's website and click on the recipe button it will lead you to a list of classic Pimm's cups. The original is of course a classic but I must admit the Pimm's Royale looks smashing in its own right. Would those of you who drink Pimm's share your favourite mix?

I suppose it is the broad streak of Anglophile that runs through me but these classic old British standbys always seem to be just the ticket and fit right in with my curmudgeonly traditionalist mentality. The gin and tonic along with Pimm's cups conjure images of a sultry day under an umbrella or canopy, lazing away the afternoon in a comfortable old linen suit. Just the thing for our ridiculously humid Kansas summers which by the way are just around the corner. So lets make it Pimm's O'clock. I think I will pop over to the spirits store and pick up a bottle of this today.

Regards, Todd

[clubman]

Pimm's cups aren't bad at all when the weather starts heating up (they're relatively low-alcohol, which can be nice at times) but the big problem is that they're so darned sweet (the actual Pimm's liqeuer has got to be at half sugar)! The Pimm's cup has a long association with Wimbledon which should really stoke the fires of your Anglophilia.

Keep in mind when you see recipes for them from the UK that the "lemonade" component is actually referring to UK-style lemonade (i.e. 7-Up/Sprite/etc.) To further confuse matters, they make them in New Orleans with US-style lemonade (which is fine too, but not the same thing, of course). I generally make mine with ginger ale, in any case.

[SmoovD]

I tried the Pimm's route a few years back. They were fine but I didn't find them especially appealing. Okay as a change of pace but not something in the regular rotation. Now, a tall glass of pastis on a sweltering afternoon...that more my speed.

[Antique Hoosier]

One of my very favorites!

[Phog Allen]

Pimm's cups aren't bad at all when the weather starts heating up (they're relatively low-alcohol, which can be nice at times) but the big problem is that they're so darned sweet (the actual Pimm's liqeuer has got to be at half sugar)! The Pimm's cup has a long association with Wimbledon which should really stoke the fires of your Anglophilia.

Keep in mind when you see recipes for them from the UK that the "lemonade" component is actually referring to UK-style lemonade (i.e. 7-Up/Sprite/etc.) To further confuse matters, they make them in New Orleans with US-style lemonade (which is fine too, but not the same thing, of course). I generally make mine with ginger ale, in any case.

Thank you for this bit of information. I will try a traditional way first and then possibly with lemonade. The sweetness does not surprise me with the Brit's sweet tooth being what it is. U.S. lemonade is nearly as sweet. A lighter, sour type mix may be better or indeed, ginger ale.

And yeah, Anglophilia is a fun thing to get caught up in. I would dearly love to attend the opening of Royal Ascot. Grey coat for the morning dress please.

One of my very favorites!

Well Mike, from your location it looks as if you will be in Seattle before long. Quite a change from Florida. All kidding aside I could never live in Florida. Kansas is nearly as humid but at least we get spring and fall to bracket the summer. From what I gather most of Florida has two seasons; December/January and summer!

Regards, Todd

[Phog Allen]

Hey guys, I want to bump this once before it hits page two. Anyone have a favourite recipe for this liqueur? Any recommendations for a website that has information. Thanks.

Regards, Todd

[WhiskeyBeat]

Hmm Pimms...never got into it. Doesn't taste like alcohol enough, prefer a good G&T.

[ChefJohnBoy-ardee]

My wife and her family love the stuff. I find it suitable but I would rather just have a hoppy beer or a Pendleton Sagebrush. :D

[bassopotamus]

I really like it, just mixed 50/50 with 7up

[Longshanks]

my mother always taught me to mix it with 1/3 pimms and 2/3 7up/sprite, then just add fruit of your choice and then mix.

[kzoo1]

Not sure what it is called, but the British themed pub here in Kalamazoo serves Pimms and Ginger Ale. Very good!

We don't see this on the shelves of our liquor stores though...

[Dirigent]

I love Pimm's Cup - so refreshing! And it won't knock your socks off if you have numerous glasses. I've already made a couple pitchers in the past month. I like to mix it with ginger ale and add in the necessary cucumber. I also like to add other fruits (lemon, lime, strawberries) and mint. Delish!

[MPruett]

I split the difference and use the Sunkist lemonade soda.

The only thing about the true British-style Pimm's Cup that I'm not a huge fan of is the fruit salad in it; sometimes I just want a drink, not 50% garnish, 50% drink.