top 12 recipes of 2012
happy thanksgiving!
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classic pimm’s cup
It’s Pimms o’clock!
No, seriously, it is. How do I know? Let’s just say us Brits have an innate sense about these things.
But what does “pimms o’clock” mean? I hear you ask. Well, if you’re British, you probably know. But if you’re not, let me paint you a picture:
The sun is shining, it’s hot and lovely outside. You’ve nothing better to do but sit back and relax with a delicious drink. Maybe there’s some green grass and a picnic involved, maybe it’s your front porch or your backyard. Either way, there’s no need to worry about what time it is, nothing in the world matters apart from this moment…like I said, it’s Pimms o’clock.
Drinking Pimm’s is one of those things that’s synonymous with the English summertime for me. Just as steak and ale pie reminds me of cosy warm pubs in the dead of winter, Pimm’s reminds me of summertime picnics, barbecues, and pub gardens. It’s fancy enough for a summer wedding, garden party, or Henley Regatta and casual enough to enjoy with your feet up in your backyard with friends.
Grab your biggest pitcher and make one of the best summertime drinks there is. One part Pimms to two or three parts lemonade (depending how sassy you’re feelin’). Throw in some fresh mint, cucumber, strawberries, and orange and you’ve got the classic! Bottoms up!
Classic Pimm’s Cup
makes 4-5 long drinks
Ingredients
- 7 oz (200ml) Pimm’s No. 1
- 21 oz (600ml) lemonade (Sprite or 7Up is great – I happened to have real lemonade on hand which was lovely)
- 2 cups of ice
- several fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 of an English cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 1/2 an orange, sliced
- small handful strawberries, quartered
Directions
- Fill a pitcher or jug with ice. Pour Pimm’s into pitcher and top up with lemonade.
- Add the mint, cucumber, orange, and strawberries. Cheers!
Category: food and culture, recipe | Tags: drinks 19 comments »
July 6th, 2011 at 6:42 am
I also like making pimms with champagne rather than lemonade for an extra special treat!
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July 6th, 2011 at 8:06 am
pimm’s o’clock? i love it! i enjoy reading about british things on here :) makes me feel more authentic next time i order this drink! just may have to make it now…
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July 6th, 2011 at 8:27 am
When you say “real lemonade” do you mean lemon juice-water-sugar lemonade? Or is this something else?
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Angharad Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 9:41 am
Hi Anne! I just mean the stuff touted at stores as “real lemonade” rather than Sprite/7 Up. It’s cloudier and yes generally made up of lemon juice, water and sugar.
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July 6th, 2011 at 8:35 am
I’ve always wondered what Pimm’s Cup is and now I know! :) Sounds terribly refreshing and I think I will have to make some this weekend. <3
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July 6th, 2011 at 11:05 am
This takes me back to my time abroad at Sussex Uni. Where can I find Pimm’s in Minneapolis? I’ve looked in many liquor stores. Cheers!
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Angharad Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 3:50 pm
Hi Jamie! I found a bottle at Sorella on Washington Ave. S – they have a great wine selection too!
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N Reply:
July 7th, 2011 at 9:16 am
I have found Pimm’s at Chi-Lake Liquor and I believe Zipp’s also has it. Haskell’s and Big Top would probably also be good bets. It’s not really too hard to find.
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m Reply:
July 7th, 2011 at 10:06 am
I just recently bought it at Surdyks in NE.
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July 6th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
I tend to add a cheeky slug of gin to my Pimms or else I make my own version, which is so worth a try, especially if you can’t find Pimms in the US
2 parts gin
2 parts red vermouth
1 part orange liqueur
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Angharad Reply:
July 6th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
This sounds amazing! I love it. I’ll definitely be adding a slug of gin to my next drink. I tend to drink it when I’m more thirsty than anything so light on the booze is ok but adding gin would def take it up a notch!
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July 6th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
Great post! I’ve never actually made Pimms myself, but partaken of it in many a beer garden! Summer’s here!
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July 6th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
I have been going bonkers looking for a good recipe for a Pimm’s Cup – Cheers!! (in every sense of the word :) )
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July 6th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
Haha yes we do! :) It’s definitely a british thing! And ahhh cloudy lemonade! :) Love love!
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July 7th, 2011 at 11:10 am
This looks spectacular! I love summer. :D
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July 23rd, 2011 at 12:24 am
As a fellow English gal living stateside, I have been craving Pimm’s so badly in this heatwave. I’m yet to try it with cloudy lemonade; for me part of what I love about a glass (read: pitcher) of Pimm’s is the fizz. Also, when I make it I leave out any citrus fruit (though I absolutely agree about cucumber, mint and strawberries) in favour of apple and/or kiwi. A missguided attempt as a student included melon in the recipe; a poor decision, the texture of watermelon combined with fizzy lemonade to create a rather spectacular foaming effect. I need to get myself to the liquor store this weekend…
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July 25th, 2011 at 11:43 am
I made your Pimm’s Cup this weekend for a “Mad Hatter Tea Garden Bridal Shower Party” It was a hit! I used the whole bottle of Pimms! I made the first 2 batches with fresh lemonaide and then added some Pelliagrino. The last 2 batches were made with 7Up instead of homemade lemonaide. EVERYONE loved it (even my mother who doesn’t really like alcohol beverages during the day). Thank you for the recipe and making it a truly “English tea” :)
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Angharad Reply:
July 26th, 2011 at 10:35 am
Hi Amanda! So glad you and all your friends loved it – isn’t it the best summertime drink? Love that you made it your own. I love fizzy lemonade too – definitely adds something!
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June 19th, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Just wondering if you could share a place in The Cities to purchase proper lemonade. I’d love a good Pimm’s Cup and have not been able to replicate those I’ve had while in England. Or will I be fine with just 7Up?
Thanks!
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