Drink of the Week: Pimm’s No. 1 Cup

I sometimes have to remind myself I have a pretty good job. When other people are sitting in sterile office buildings creating Excel spreadsheets, I am mixing a drink at 2 p.m. all in the name of research.

Just this week I was writing about one of my favourite warm-weather cocktails, the Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, for an upcoming issue of Avenue magazine. As I sat there trying to remember the taste of the drink, I kept thinking, “You know, I haven’t had one in awhile. Maybe I should make one.” I had all the ingredients on hand and, suddenly, it was Pimm’s o’clock!

Mmmm…liquid boozy fruit salad with ginger spice…

I muddled a couple cucumber rounds with two strawberries, some mint and Pimm’s, topped it off with ginger ale and soon after I was drinking a medicinal, boozy fruit salad and coming up with clever things to write (spoiler alert), like “keep your striped tie knotted and blazer buttoned while cheering on your crew from the boathouse.” Huh? Trust me, it makes sense — you’ll just have to read my story (August issue).

They say many writers, such as Ernest Hemingway, gained their inspiration honestly — from looking down into the bottom of a bottle. After my afternoon Pimm’s Cup, I concur.

Pimm’s No. 1 Cup

• 1 part Pimm’s No. 1
• 2 cucumber rounds
• 2 strawberries, diced
• 6-8 mint leaves
• Top 2-3 parts ginger ale

Muddle all ingredients except the ginger ale in the bottom of a rocks glass or tumbler. Add ice and then top with ginger ale. Stir to bring up the mint, cukes and strawberries from the bottom of the glass. Serve. Repeat.