Pimm's Cup

A thirst-quenching, supremely summery drink (in England, it's a must at cricket matches). Often ginger ale is used along with or instead of the lemony soda, and sometimes a fortifying shot of gin goes in. You can arrange the fruit, cucumber, and mint any way you like. Prep Time: 20 minutes. Notes: Persian cucumbers are small, thin-skinned, virtually seedless, and very tasty. They're sold at well-stocked grocery stores and often at farmers' markets. Pimm's No. 1, a gin-based drink, was invented in 1823 by James Pimm, who served it at his oyster bar in London. It is widely available at liquor stores.

Yield: Makes 8 drinks (serving size: 1 drink)

Ingredients

• 2  oranges, cut into half-moons
• 2  lemons, cut into half-moons
• 1  Persian cucumber (see Notes) or one 3-in.-long piece English cucumber, washed and sliced
• 2  cups  Pimm's No. 1 (see Notes)
• 4  cups  Sprite or other lemon-lime soda
• 6  to 8 large sprigs mint, crushed gently, plus a few loose leaves

Preparation

Fill 2 pitchers 1/4 full with ice. To each, add a layer of orange slices, a few lemon slices, and a layer of cucumber slices. Repeat the layering. Pour in the Pimm's and Sprite, dividing between pitchers, and mix with a long-handled spoon. Poke mint sprigs and leaves down into drink. Divide drink among 8 tall glasses, with a few slices of fruit and cucumber in each glass, along with some mint leaves.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per drink.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

226 (0% from fat)

Protein:

1.3g

Fat:

0.2g (sat 0.0)

Carbohydrate:

21g

Fiber:

2.9g

Sodium:

16mg

Cholesterol:

0.0mg