Bottoms Up for Pimm’s Cups

Sloshed? Pish posh!

By PINK LADY

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Born in England and reinterpreted in New Orleans, the Pimm's Cup is the perfect cocktail for an August afternoon. This classy beverage pairs well with civilized games like croquet, cricket and bocce. Thanks to its low alcohol content, you still stand a chance at winning, even while kicking back your first one at lunch.

Invented by oyster bar owner James Pimm in London circa 1823 (or 1840, according to some), the original Pimm's Cup mixed gin, quinine and a secret blend of herbs and spices. It was offered to guests as a "digestive tonic," but was most likely invented to mask the bitter flavors inherent in the gin of the day.

By 1851, the drink was in such high demand that Pimm stepped up production, expanding the Pimm's Cup concept to include different versions based on other spirits. The next century saw the invention of six different Pimm's Cups, ranging from whiskey to vodka as their base. Only Pimm's No. 1 is widely available in the US today.

The modern Pimm's Cup is an iconic British cocktail, and the drink is to tennis whites and Wimbledon what big hats and mint juleps are to the Kentucky Derby. It also has a home stateside, as a classic New Orleans cocktail prepared with nostalgic expertise at the Napoleon House.

Cin-cin!

THE NAPOLEON HOUSE PIMM'S CUP

Fill a tall 12-ounce glass with ice. Add 1.25 ounces Pimm's No. 1 and 3 ounces lemonade. Top off with 7UP. Garnish with cucumber.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PIMM'S NOS. 2-6 AND THE CLASSIC BRITISH VERSION OF THE DRINK, VISIT LUPECBOSTON.BLOGSPOT.COM.