Pimm's Cup: an aperitif and appetizer in one

If you haven't been across the pond, you may have never heard of a Pimm's cup. It's based on a British liquor known as Pimm's No. 1., a slightly herbal, tea-colored concoction. It's probably best known as the beverage of choice at Wimbledon. I first had it at the horse races in New Zealand among British expat friends.

I bought a bottle a Pimm's months ago, but never got around to making anything with it until this weekend. After a day of sweaty, super-glamourous garden work like installing weed mat and gutters in 95+ degree heat, we were in need of some serious refreshment as I worked on dinner. I looked at the late summer garden's bounty of cucumbers, mint and strawberries and remembered I had some lemons in the fridge too. All the ingredients for a Pimm's cup! Now there are several variations on the recipe that can be tweaked to your liking. But what I like about it is you can put as many "add-ons" as you wish and it only makes the drink better.

The basic mix is:

•  2-3 parts Pimm's No. 1, depending on how strong you want it
• 1 part lemonade or lemon-lime soda
• 1 part seltzer

Mix that up in a pitcher. Fill your glasses with ice. Add cucumber slices or spears, lemon slices, strawberry slices and a sprig of mint. I think basil would also work too. Pour the pre-mixed drink into the glass and add a cucumber garnish and another splash of soda. Cheers!

Be sure to munch on the cucumber and fruit as you drink. Somehow it makes the drink seem infinitely healthier and more refreshing.