Refreshingly Old School: Pimms Cup
Cause or Effect? Pimms Cup is linked to warm-weather activities, from Wimbledon to horse racing. hide caption
Recipe: Pimms Cup
- Fill a Collins glass with ice.
- Mix 1 part Pimms Cup No. 1 with 2 parts lemonade.
- Stir or shake.
- Top off with club soda, or use lemon-lime soda for a sweeter drink.
- Stir lightly -- but do NOT shake again.
- Garnish with a slice of Kirby cucumber; lemon wedge optional.
Options
- If no lemonade is at hand, use Sprite or 7-Up.
- To make with ginger ale, use plenty of lemons.
- Mint, apple and orange can be added.
- For the coup de grace, use borage leaves.
With Wimbledon wrapping up this weekend we take a look at the beverage most associated with the event: the Pimms Cup. Michele Norris speaks with Martin Joyce, director of catering for Wimbledon, about what's in the drink — and why it pairs so well with watching tennis.
Since its beginnings in the middle of the 19th century, Pimms has remained a British hot-weather favorite. With flavors that recall gin and a color like that of iced tea, Pimms is a natural thirst-quencher. And at only 50 proof, it's a bit safer to quaff courtside, where decorum counts.
Related NPR Stories
New Museum Charts the History of the Cocktail Feb. 26, 2005
Alcohol Consumption: In the Eye of the Beholder Dec. 23, 2005
A $10,000 Martini at the Algonquin Hotel March 1, 2005
Recipes: 'Holiday Cocktails Deck' Nov. 21, 2005
'Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails' Dec. 31, 2004
The Southside Cocktail, from Chicago to the Hamptons Aug. 11, 2004