This past Sunday my friend Kelly hosted a brunch and book exchange event between our gal pals and labeled it: “Books, Brekks and Boissons.”
The concept? Each girl brings a few books from her library to exchange with the other offerings, Kelly provides the nibbles (amazing fried bourbon donuts, homemade meatloaf, raspberry sorbet, white truffle mac and cheese to name a few) and through this all we sit back enjoying our Boissons, or for you non-French speakers – the drinks.
The libation of the day? The famous Pimm’s Cup. This was my first experience having a Pimm’s Cup and I can say that I am a complete convert.
There are six different types of Pimm’s, each kind related to a different kind of alcohol (Gin, Scotch Whisky, Brandy, Rum, Rye, and Vodka). What goes exactly into Pimm’s is still a bit of a mystery, but the original Pimm’s 1 was used as a digestif and contained gin, herbs and quinine - the last component which provides its more medicinal qualities. Pimm’s is very popular in England, particularly Southern England, and can be found in abundance at sporting events like polo matches.
Kelly’s recipe for our Sunday Pimm’s Cup?
2 ounces Pimm’s No 1
Diet 7-UP (some people prefer using Ginger Ale)
Cucumber Slices
Strawberry slices
Serve over ice and enjoy!
With only 25% alcohol by volume, you can have a couple of these and still have a reasonably productive Sunday. Pimm’s is tasty even on its own, giving off hints of citrus and spices with every Pao Sip. The cocktail is not overly sweet, and the strawberry and cucumber garnishes compliment the natural flavors of the alcohol, and make it refreshing to your palette.
Sunday may have been my first introduction to Pimm’s but it will certainly not be my last. Just today I received an invite for another day of celebratory libations focused on the indulgence of Pimm’s. Something tells me this is just the beginning of a beautiful new friendship…
