Oy! The Pimm's Cup

A libation dubbed "quintessentially British," the Pimm's Cup is a palate pleaser and cleanser, with its crisp freshness and cool finish. While browsing what The Wellesbourne in Los Angeles calls the "Liquor Cabinet," I was a bit hesitant to order this cocktail at first, because I'm not the cucumber/ginger type. I like it when my drinks taste like flower fields and sunshine. Pimms' herbaceous, full-bodied flavor did the trick, however. This was one of the most successful drinks I've had in a while! It helped that I had a cucumber wedge as a party favor. I love eating my garnishes!

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Pimm's Cup [adapted from Bon Appetit recipe]
serves 1

Ingredients

> 1 3-inch piece English cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch slices, plus 1 spear (for garnish)

> 3/4 cup Pimm's No. 1

> 3 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice or regular lemon juice

> 1/2 teaspoon sugar

> Ice cubes

> 2 sprigs mint 

> 2 lemon slices

> Ginger beer, chilled 

Instructions

> Place 1/2-inch-thick cucumber slices in cocktail shaker. Using muddler or handle of wooden spoon, mash well. 

> Add Pimm's, lemon juice, and sugar. Fill 2 glasses with ice; set aside. 

> Add ice to Pimm's mixture, cover, and shake vigorously 20 times. Strain into glasses. 

> Push 1 mint sprig and 1 lemon slice down into each glass. Fill glasses with ginger beer. 

> Garnish with cucumber spears.