british

"Pimm's Cup" is fun to say and even more fun to drink. But what exactly is Pimm's No. 1? Like Southern Comfort or Fernet-Branca, this type of liquor is synonymous with its brand; Pimm's No. 1 is just that, and nothing else.

This gin-based booze hails from England and carries a lower alcohol content (25 percent) than most hard liquor. For that reason, it's one of my absolute favorite ingredients for daytime drinking, and the Pimm's Cup — featuring ginger ale, cucumber, lemon, and mint — is the ultimate delivery vehicle. You can throw back two or three yet not be knocked down like you might be by a bloody Mary. Get the Pimm's Cup recipe now.

Considering our obsession with berries, it's hard to believe that there are still quite a few out there that I've never tried. This week, I had my first encounter with a gooseberry: a fruit smaller than a blueberry with a round-meets-oblong shape (similar to that of a green grape) and a fuzzy, veiny, green apple-colored exterior. I couldn't ignore my intrigue and impulsively picked up a carton to experiment with at home. My initial observations of the fruit, when you keep reading.

Although Labor Day is an American holiday, I'm suggesting that you serve a classic British cocktail, Pimm's Cup, at your barbecue. Why? Because it's a refreshing and wonderful drink! It's fruity, gingery, and not too strong. This punch-like libation requires a special spirit, Pimm's No. 1, that's readily available at most liquor stores. The recipe serves four, but I would plan on doubling it. A Pimm's Cup is so delicious that you and your guests will be craving seconds. Look at a recipe after the break.

Most of the always-polite Brits now only use "thank you" as a last resort when expressing gratitude, and "cheers" has become the preferred way to say thanks.

Forty percent of British people polled said "thank you" sounds too formal — isn't that why there's "thanks"? — and would rather dole out praise with terms like "brilliant," "lovely," and, apparently, "you star 11, all right."

Get the 19 most popular ways below

I pledge my allegiance to Old Glory, but I do love the look of Union Jack. Trending for a while now, the charming flag can be seen in nearly every shelter mag as accent pieces or main staples in international homes. From red, white, and blue stoves to flag adorned settees, there are countless ways to bring the charming pattern home. While I love the Leather Nail Trimmed Chair ($784), I feel a bit odd pretending I have a connection to the British icon. Perhaps if I spent some time in Prince William's neck of the woods or had family ties across the pond, I could pull it off. Since neither of those is the case, I'm sticking with the stars and stripes. Do you decorate with Union Jack?