Spring is teasing us.
It feels like the sun is juuuust about ready to creep out and stay. 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. It’s just a short walk from my front door to the Napoleon House, a building build 200 years ago. It’s first tenant, Nicholas Girod, was the mayor of New Orleans in the early 1800’s. In 1821, Girod offered his beautiful home up to Napoleon who was living in exile. Nice, right? 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. 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! And so it is.
One essential ingredients in a Pimm’s Cup Cocktail: Pimm’s No.1 .
Pimm’s is a gin-based alcohol. It’s a secret blend of herbs and liqueurs and as far as hard alcohols go… it’s on the light side. Pimm’s tastes like… well, it tastes like sweetened bitters with herbs and Spring. It is best simple mixed with lemonade or ginger ale. 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. Smash them in there a bit.
Top the Pimm’s No.1 with ginger ale. Add lemonade if you’d like. Add a few dashes of bitters if you like things on the more hery side of life. Add lemon-lime soda if ginger isn’t your thing. 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. Add a few cucumber slices and lemon slices to each glass. Pour 2 ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 into each glass. Top each glass with ginger ale and garnish with any remaining cucumber and lemon. Serve and enjoy!
Mike
I always wondered what went into a Pimm’s cup. Thanks, I need to try one now,
Katie H.
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
Rachael@AnAvocadoADay
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!
Danielle Willie
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 =)
Erin @ The Speckled Palate
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!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
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
Moss
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?
Rachel Dorsey
I was totally the girl who ordered Pimms & lemonade when studying abroad in England…much to the disdain of the barkeep. Well, suck it. Pimms is now awesome and recognized as such! Also, if you don’t want a full Pimms cup, I highly recommend a little Pimms + lemon San Pellegrino. Refreshing and so easy.
Tracy
My summer goal is to learn to start liking gin and start drinking it. A Pimm’s cup seems liek the perfect place to begin!
chocolateandco
Such gorgeous shots in the kitchen! And your New Orleans photos really make me want to visit that city. I hope you’re settling in ok and enjoyin your new home :)
SeattleDee
Ready to try my first Pimms Cup cocktail at home, but REALLY want to know where you found those shoes!
The Macadame
This looks delicious – I love your photos!
The Macadame. xx
http://www.creamstop.com
Jane Mostue
Looks like your new place gets some beautiful natural light!
Lizz
Since it seems that you love ginger so very much, have you tried Domaine de Canton? It’s a French ginger liqueur that is to DIE for. It’s my favorite.
http://www.domainedecanton.com/
Katerina (from Psit! jewellery)
You have beautiful ice-cubes! (but I’m sure they tell you that all the time)
MB
Oh my, what a gorgeous post. I LOVE Pimm’s Cups… they are so springy, and take me back to years spent living in London. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous as well. Somehow I just discovered your blog, but very much look forward to following your culinary adventures from now on!
Tara
I was feeling the Spring vibe today, so I made Margaritas! Cheers!
Jennifierce
Gin bucks are my favorite cocktails ever, so this looks absolutely delightful. Also loving all the pictures of your new digs!
RANDY SKINNER
Huge congrats on the move and glad you ventured out! Napoleon House is amazing! Everywhere you look in that city it’s heaven. And the food…..? Perfect place for you.
Check out Bar Tonique when you have a moment. You will not regret it.
Happy settling in!
Kathy W
I don’t know about the Pimm’s Cup, but I love your flowery shoes!
Jen
i have dreams about that place, the pimm’s and the muffaletta sandwhich
Skye
Pimms is a summer classic. So refreshing. It’s lovely with freshly chopped fruit too…
Meredith
Amazing cocktails!
Annie B
Oh, I miss Pimm’s. Going to have to track a bottle down. Except for Audubon Park, Napoleon House was my favorite place in NOLA.
Lindsay
where did you get your ice cube makers?
Heather
Gorgeous pictures, I love them :) New Orleans’ hue looks very good on the blog,
& these drinks are right up my alley, bring on spring.
skye
That looks awesome! By the way, spring in the South is definitely characterized by plenty of rainstorms ;) That means spring is here!
Gaby
So a little geeky moment here… your ice-cubes are super nice and square, makes my OCD very happy. But, did you know, that if you make ice cubes with water that has been boiled they are completely transparent? (the tiny air bubbles dissolved in the water escape when you boil it). Try it out!
That is all.
Oh and now I want Pimm’s. But I’ve got coursework to do! This weekend, for sure!
Taylor
Sounds delicious! Also, I’d love to know what ice cube holders you use cause they’re so perfectly square!
xoxo
Taylor
http://www.welcomehometaylor.com
itchierfeet
New Orleans looks awesome, especially Napoleon House. I will definitely have to come and take a look (and taste!) if I am ever in the USA.
Janet Roderick
Your photos are always so beautiful. But even your ice cubes are gorgeous! How do you do that?
Lauren Bailey
Chris at Kingfish (also on Chartres) makes the best Pimm’s Cup in New Orleans. True story. I’ve done a little research since moving here myself.
Karie
My favorite, my favorite bar, my favorite city!
michele dilauro
ooohhhh! i have some home made citrus bitters i made last year and this would be perfect :)
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
I am loving the new photos from NOLA! And this cocktail is one of my favs. Yum!
Alanna
Pimm’s Cup is my favorite cocktail, thanks to living in Nola. You must go to The Cure and try theirs.
Shehila
we can already feel that shift of mood, from sunny beachy California to sultry, mysterious, historical Louisianna.
Carlinne @Cook with 2 Chicks
I love your pics. I ADORE those perfectly square ice cubes! Happy Friday.
Mallory@forkvsspoon
The scenes of the city are causing some serious travel ideas in my noggin…aka, love the photos, keep ’em coming! And the cocktail…just what this Friday needs – 54F in Ohio today, kind of excited, which is kind of sad.
Paige C
There are few things I love more than a Pimm’s Cup! And now I really want to go to Napoleon House!
beepsandclicks
God I miss Napolean House. When I lived in Houston it was no big deal to make the drive…now that I’m landlocked in Colorado I will be checking in on your blog often…envious of your culinary adventures!
Carissa
When I visited New Orleans a few months ago, we learned how to make Pimm’s Cups immediately after we got home. We didn’t get a chance to try Napoleon House though. If you haven’t been yet, definitely check out Bar Tonique on Decatur. It was by far our favorite bar there. They make all their syrups from scratch, and their drinks are amazing!
Amanda - Small Home Big Start
Love a good Pimm’s cup and I’m so glad you reminded me about them! I got a bottle for Christmas this year and you better believe I’m going to crack it open tonight for Friday night cocktails :)
reesa
Joy! It’s been so fun following along on your move and NOLA exploration! And you’re close to Napoleon House, you lucky duck? Try the caponata, it’s divine.
foodlikecake
The napoleaon house looks amazing! You’re in such a cool place.
Anna
I-love-Pimm’s! It’s going to be 75 degrees today. I’d say spring is here. I’d say Pimm’s is on the shopping list today. So excited you’re sharing your Nola experiences!
Lene Svingel
The Napoleon House looks absolutely fantastic – just my sort of place with heaps of time-worn charm and lots atmosphere. As are those mosaic street signs (heavy sigh of longing…) Somebody here mentioned wanderlust, I’ ve caught it too.
I’m not normally a cocktail girl, but the way you describe this, it’s sounds like the only true way to celebrate spring – can’t wait to try it :-)
Have a lovely weekend, Joy!
Francesca
Ahhh, Pimms! It’s still a bit too early in London – it’s the quintessential summer drink but as Lesley mentioned, over here it absolutely has to be made in a jug and it also needs strawberries and mint with the cucumber – no ginger ale, just lemonade, that’s our traditional and favourite way to take it. Blissful and one jug between two guarantees by the end lots of giggles! I have ice cube envy ;) and I love your blog Joy, it’s one of my very favourites. Congratulations on the move, exciting and scary combined! x
Lesley
Better to make it as we Brits do – in a huge jug and then pour into the glass the flavours mingle better, but your ice cubes are very pretty. There is also a winter Pimms which you serve warm and is wonderful at Christmas.
Rachel
This looks fantastic, and I can’t wait to try it. However, I might just have to save this recipe until Summer, as drinking Pimm’s before them is messing with my very British sensibilities!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
What a perfectly refreshing cocktail! Pinned! (and I’d love a couple right now!)
Catherine
It’s Pimm’s o’clock……..lovely to drink while watching Wimbledon.
atasteofmadess
Perfect excuse to recreate it for yourself at home! This looks so good!
Elyse
Pimms tastes like Englsh summer squeezed into a glass!
Stefanie @ Sarcastic Cooking
Look at you all fancy and stylin on the streets of your new digs! I love Pimm’s!!! Where is Spring?!?!?!? Come on!
Matt J
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Your first drink in New Orleans should have been a Sazerac. You’re just a 5 minute walk from Sylvain. Sit at the bar, order one and then the pork shoulder, grits and greens. Thank me later.
Shauna
Joy!! What a glorious place. I’m coming down with some serious wanderlust after reading this post. You and this cocktail look fly. NOLA looks good on you!