Recipe: Pomegranate Pimm's Cup

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Serves 1

As if the Pimm's Cup wasn't already one of the most refreshing cocktails ever, here's a version that uses pomegranate juice, which really takes the herbaceous Pimm's liqueur to the next level. The drink's distinctive aroma and beautiful garnet color gives it royal flair. A sunken cucumber lends the ultimate freshness.

1 1/2 ounces Pimm's No. 1 Liqueur
2 ounces chilled pomegranate-cherry juice or other sweetened pomegranate juice
Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda
Garnish: Cucumber slice (optional)

Pour the Pimm's and pomegranate juice into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Top off with ginger ale and stir. Garnish, if desired.

Do Tell: Pimm's No. 1 is made with a secret liqueur recipe of dry gin, fruit juices, and spices. Created by English oyster-bar owner James Pimm in the early 19th century, the drink was meant to be a tonic served in a small ("No. 1" size) cup to aid digestion.

Excerpted from Porch Parties: Cocktail Recipes and Easy Ideas for Outdoor Entertaining by Denise Gee. Copyright 2010. Reprinted by permission of Chronicle Books.