Pimms Cup

Makes 8 drinks (serving size: 1 drink)
Ingredients

* 2 oranges, cut into half-moons
* 2 lemons, cut into half-moons
* 1 Persian cucumber (see Notes) or one 3-in.-long piece English cucumber, washed and sliced
* 2 cups Pimm’s No. 1 (see Notes)
* 4 cups Sprite or other lemon-lime soda
* 6 to 8 large sprigs mint, crushed gently, plus a few loose leaves

Preparation

Fill 2 pitchers 1/4 full with ice. To each, add a layer of orange slices, a few lemon slices, and a layer of cucumber slices. Repeat the layering. Pour in the Pimm’s and Sprite, dividing between pitchers, and mix with a long-handled spoon. Poke mint sprigs and leaves down into drink. Divide drink among 8 tall glasses, with a few slices of fruit and cucumber in each glass, along with some mint leaves.

Photo bought from istockphoto, recipe from My Recipes

Photo from Etsy store Risen, cucumber sandwiches from Martha Stewart Weddings, outdoor reception photo from Brides, croquet photo from Jose Villa, Pimms Cup bought from Istockphoto, strawberries and cream from Martha Stewart Weddings, Invitation from Ceci NY, bouquet from Martha Stewart Weddings, Bunting photo from Zig Zag Cotton Bunting, Just Married photo from Brides

Pimms No. 1 Cup is a delectable English cocktail particularly suited to warm summer days and afternoon weddings. Based on gin, with dry ginger ale, lemonade, and apple, lemon, orange and cucumber sticks garnished with mint this cocktail conjures up long balmy afternoons, cotton or muslin summer dresses, summer hats and the genteel game of croquet on a wide green lawn. Lots of white chairs arranged casually in groups around the garden, the sound of water falling in a fountain, hydrangeas, roses, peonies arranged in casual billowing posies. Large shady English trees, with tables underneath, with floral sprigged cloths and delicate china, dainty teacups, creamers and teapots, silver spoons, beautiful serving dishes.

Of course a variety of elegant foods such as petit fours, cucumber sandwiches, delicate sponge cakes, berries and cream, strawberries dipped in chocolate, scones, lemon curd filled tarts, and English trifle would be served to further heighten the ‘English tea’ feel. A variety of beautiful teas and coffees would be offered, along with fruit punch in an elegant glass bowl, and of course who could forget the pink sparkling wine or champagne!

For fun, you could serve a variety of Pimms recipes such as the ‘Wimbledon Cup’ from Drinks Mixer which consists of Pimms gin, more gin, strawberry syrup, mandarin juice and double cream. Serve fat flavourful strawberries and cream with this cocktail – if you close your eyes you could well believe that you are in England at Wimbledon! Other Pimms (numbers 2 through to 6) are based on other spirits such as Scotch and vodka and you could offer the makings of the cocktails suited to these.

Your dress could feature hail spot muslin, your bridesmaids could wear dresses of a vintage feel floral cotton with wide skirts, coloured shoes and satin bowed waists. Your groom could be in a dark suit to add to the elegant feel, or in a light summer linen number for comfort.
Enjoy the return of restraint and elegance!