Spring is teasing us.
It feels like the sun is juuuust about ready to creep out and stay. ย Well… it feels that way up until the time the rain pours down.
Despite Spring’s indecision, I happen to think it’s time for a Spring cocktail!
I ventured out into the French Quarter on a particularly sunny afternoon just after a rainstorm. ย It’s just a short walk from my front door to the Napoleon House, a building build 200 years ago. ย It’s first tenant, Nicholas Girod, was the mayor of New Orleans in the early 1800’s. ย In 1821, Girod offered his beautiful home up to Napoleon who was living in exile. ย Nice, right? ย Napoleon couldn’t make it… he died first.
Even though Napoleon never stepped foot in this house, the name stuck and now the Napoleon House is a restaurant and bar filled with history and old smarmy (I mean that in a good way) waiters.
The Napoleon House is known for their Pimm’s Cup Cocktails. ย Because I’m a girl who likes extra cucumber slices and a good dose of ginger ale, there’s no reason I can’t recreate these at home! ย And so it is.
One essential ingredients in a Pimm’s Cup Cocktail: ย Pimm’s No.1 .
Pimm’s is a gin-based alcohol. ย It’s a secret blend of herbs and liqueurs and as far as hard alcohols go… it’s on the light side. ย Pimm’s tastes like… well, it tastes like sweetened bitters with herbs and Spring. ย It is best simple mixed with lemonade or ginger ale. ย Cucumbers and lemons are lovely too so let’s get to it already!
Fill glasses with ice.
Pour a few ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 over the ice.
Shove in a few lemon and cucumber slices. ย Smash them in there a bit.
Top the Pimm’s No.1 with ginger ale. ย Add lemonade if you’d like. ย Add a few dashes of bitters if you like things on the more hery side of life. ย Add lemon-lime soda if ginger isn’t your thing. ย It’s hard to go wrong.
Enjoy your weekend sips!
Pimm’s Cup
makes 2 cocktails
ice
8 thin slices English cucumber
4 thin slices lemon
4 ounces Pimm’s No. 1
8 ounces ginger ale
Fill two tall glasses with ice. ย Add a few cucumber slices and lemon slices to each glass. ย Pour 2 ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 into each glass. ย Top each glass with ginger ale and garnish with any remaining cucumber and lemon. ย Serve and enjoy!
57 Responses
I always wondered what went into a Pimm’s cup. Thanks, I need to try one now,
Oh, I’m having so much fun reading about you tackling a new city. Tackling, of course, is not the best word. Exploring, seeking out, drinking and eating through, learning, observing – those are better turns of phrase. As for Pimms Cups, I can’t believe I’ve never had one. New Mexico is not Pimms country, so I must make one at home. Also, glad to see you’re making two, whether that’s for a new friend or just two hard-earned for you.
love this blog,
Katie
LOVE Pimms! Had the pleasure of enjoying my first Pimms cup at Wimbledon with friends! We fell in love and have to make them every time we get together! We’re on the quest for the perfect one, so we’ll have to add your recipe to the list!
Spring may be teasing us, but I’d love it to wait a little bit because here’s the honest truth – here in good ole Louisiana, spring only gives us a precious few gorgeous days…and then BAM! Summer already and sweltering heat. I may have to whip up some of these cocktails because they sure look refreshing =)
I had my first Pimm’s Cup ever last year when we were visiting New Orleans for a wedding… and my friends met me at Napoleon House and forced me to drink a few with them. ;) What a great cocktail AND what a great thing for you to be so close, not only to indulge in the culture of the French Quarter and its numerous restaurants and bars, but to be able to recreate one of the drinks at home!
I’ve never had Pimms but I’ll be on the look out for it; you’ve made a beautiful cocktail I envy (in a good way) your ability to step out of your front door and stroll into the French Quarter. I heart would explode if I was able to do that every day <3
We have been making Pimms cups all weekend in your honor! I wish we had snagged you before you left Cali. I dream of being your bestie :) In the mean time, my hubby is turning 40 this week and wants a simple cake. Can you help? He wants a yellow butter cake with chocolate frosting. He loves your recipes! Any ideas?