A cocktail for Spring

I've seen the Pimm's cup lauded in the food blog world. I've never actually had one though. So, when the newest Bon Appetit came in the mail it looked so refreshing I had to try one. I believe the original Pimm's cup is pretty simple: Pimm's over ice with ginger ale or club soda. Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based infusion of aromatics. Over the years there were other Pimm's Nos. 2-6, based on other alcohols (rye, whiskey, vodka), but these have since largely been discontinued.

The following is a souped up Pimm's cup (for 2). I really like how the cucumber flavor comes through. It truly is refreshing and not too strong.

Pimm's Cup

Ingredients

1 3-inch piece of English cucumber, cut into 1/2 inch slices

3/4 c. Pimm's No. 1

3 T. lemon juice

1 tsp. sugar

2 sliced strawberries

2 thyme sprigs

2 mint sprigs

2 rosemary sprigs (I left these out)

2 lemon slices (I also left these out)

ginger ale

ice

In a cocktail shaker muddle the cucumber until it looks well pulverized.

Add Pimm's No. 1, lemon juice, and sugar, and ice cubes.

Give the mixture a really good shake.

Strain the mixture into ice-filled pilsner or pint glasses.

Poke the strawberries, (lemon slices), mint, (rosemary) and thyme sprigs into the glasses.

Top with ginger ale.

Enjoy!