kriskristoffersonsbeard:

The last cocktail I posted was hugely masculine and though this one was intended to be unisex in its roots, it has gained popularity in recent years mainly by women and I find that women in general enjoy this one more than men.

Ladies, this one’s for you.

What the Mint Julep is to Kentucky, horse racing and Derby Day, Pimm’s Cup is to England, tennis and specifically Wimbledon. Created in 1840 by James Pimms, it is a quientessential summer drink that is at one refreshing and leaves you feeling fresh in the same manner as taking a hot bath. It’s a very clean-tasting drink and that’s mainly thanks to its core ingredient Pimms, a liqueur said to contain medicinal qualities.

Pimms will run you about $15 for a bottle, but there’s only two drinks you’ll ever want to make with it (Champagne Cup = Pimms + Champagne for curing a hangover) and Pimms Cup. Trust me though, even with these limited options this stuff will go very fast as it’s so delicious for making these two drinks the next time you’ll wise up and buy it two at a time.

This is one of those rare cases where I will not post the original recipe and instead give you a variation. My fiancee and I have spent awhile perfecting it and it just absolutely tastes the best this way, I assure you:

Pimms Cup

• 4 ounces Pimms No. 1
• 10 - 12 ounces ginger ale
• 2 cucumber slices
• 2 lemon slices
• fresh basil leaves
• 16oz mason jar*

Grab your mason jar and fill it to the top with ice. Pour in Pimms and ginger ale. Take 1 lemon slice and squeeze juice into cup, placing squeezed lemon into cup. Toss in one cucumber slice. Put 2-5 basil leaves (depending on size) into cup and stir about 3 times. Garnish rim with remaining lemon and cucumber slice.

* 5 reasons you should have mason jars if you don’t:

1. They come pressed with measurement markers on the side for liquid. It’s an easy way to learn how to make cocktails and get your portions right when you’re learning and can’t properly eyeball things.
2. You will use them for absolutely everything you drink. Hot or cold.
3. They’re classy, old-school and built to last. Just try to break one on concrete. You’ll have to throw it multiple times to do it.
4. If you get really into canning your foods for the winter, they’re ready for all your pickling and preserving needs with the 79 cent add-on of the lid.
5. Really though: they keep your cold drinks colder for longer and your hot drinks hotter for longer.