British Cocktail Recipe

Happy Hour: Pimm's Cooler

April 29, 2011

Whether you're toasting to the royal wedding or to the fact that the hoopla about it is finally almost over, do so with a delicious cocktail in hand! This recipe for a Pimm's Cooler uses England's most popular spirit, Pimm's No 1. You may have to seek it out at Beverages and More (I tried at Safeway first, but they didn't carry it), but trust me, it's worth it: this drink is absolutely amazing! Rarely do I make the same beverage twice and I've already made this one three times in the past week. It's refreshing, fruity, and perfectly balanced. Plus it's got a gorgeous hue and pretty garnishes. You simply must make this cooler, so get the recipe now.

From Food and Wine

Pimm's Cooler

Ingredients

2 mint sprigs
2 lemon slices
2 orange slices
1 cucumber wheel, 1 cucumber spear and 1 cucumber ribbon (optional)
1 strawberry, halved
3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
Ice
2 ounces Pimm's No. 1 (English gin-based aperitif)
1/2 ounce Creole Shrub or Grand Marnier
3 ounces chilled ginger beer*

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the leaves of 1 mint sprig with 1 lemon slice, 1 orange slice, the cucumber wheel, half of the strawberry and the lemon juice.
Add ice and the Pimm's and Creole Shrubb. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled pilsner glass.
Stir in the ginger beer and garnish with the remaining mint sprig, lemon slice, orange slice, cucumber spear, cucumber ribbon and strawberry half.

Makes 1 drink.

*If you can't find ginger beer, use ginger ale.