Emergency cooling remedy: Pimm’s Lemon Mojito
Spend time in London during the spring, and you’ll eventually come across one of the best summer coolers, the Pimm’s Cup. Made with Pimm’s No. 1, it’s a delightful, light, herbal potion, and the traditional drink at Wimbledon, where visitors consume 40,000 pints a year. If you’re not lucky enough to snag a ticket, you can find a delicious alternative in any pub: Pimm’s served with English-style lemonade (i.e., the clear and carbonated kind), garnished with a strawberry and fresh mint.
Pimm’s No. 1 is made in England from dry gin, liqueur, fruit juices, and a secret blend of herbs and spices. It was invented by an oyster bar owner in the early 1800s and became popular in hotter regions of the Empire to treat symptoms of malaria and general malaise. It has a golden brown color, a medium body, and a taste of quinine, citrus fruits, and has interesting herbal notes. A low alcohol content of only 25 percent makes it a great choice on a hot afternoon.
When I returned from London, I was playing around in the kitchen and came up with a superb enhancement to the Pimm’s Cup tradition, and offer this just in time to keep us cool, now that summer has arrived. A fresh take on the mojito, this drink hits all the right notes for a light, refreshing summer cocktail.
The Pimm’s Lemon Mojito
Ingredients:
Juice of ½ lemon
4-5 fresh mint leaves
1-2 T Sugar (superfine mixes best)
2 oz Pimm’s No. 1 (or to taste – heck, it’s only 25% alcohol, go for it)
Tonic Water
Premium Vodka (optional)
Method:
Muddle the lemon juice, mint leaves, sugar and Pimm’s with ½ C ice
cubes in a cocktail shaker or bottom of a pint glass. Fill glass with ice
cubes and the muddled contents, top off with tonic water, and finish with
a float of premium vodka, if desired. Stir. Garnish with a strawberry and
a lemon slice, and enjoy!
Cheerio!
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