Thursday, June 23, 2005

 

Anyone For Pimms?

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Today is one of those days where I just need to get my little self out into the golden sunshine. As luck would have it I have plans with the ladies for a terrific al fresco luncheon, and in the best British tradition,(because this is the best thing I found to quaff in the UK) there will be a huge pitcher of Pimms and Lemonade. Mmm, Pimms. A sophisticated, gin based drink. The flavor is a little bit tart, and a little bit bitter, and altogether perfect.

The Brits consider lemonade a carbonated lemon flavored bev (like Sprite without the Lime), so my version won't be 100% authentic, but it will be delicious, refreshing and the most outstanding way to while away the long shimmery day. I hope you will check out their site (it's hilarious, and has info on the history of the bev if you are interested.) Serve it with watercress and cucumber sandwiches and enjoy!

1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
juice of four large lemons
5 cups cold water
4 cups Pimms

In a large saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and the 1/2 cup of sugar, heat until the sugar is melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.

In a large pitcher, combine the rest of the ingredients with a lot of ice. Stir and enjoy.


Makes enough for 8 large drinks

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"1823 - Oysters were favoured fare with London's City gents. Gin was hip, but its distinctive character and bitterness was habitually knocked back rather than savoured. In stepped shellfish-monger James Pimm in 1823, opening his famous Pimm's 'Oyster Bar' in the heart of London. Esteemed patrons were soon washing down oysters with the Pimm's 'house cup'. Flavoured with liqueurs and fruit extract, this more palatable 'gin-sling' kick-started the PIMM'S® story, winning the hearts of many."

Gin was invented around 1650 in the Netherlands by Dr Sylvuis, Professor of Medicine at Leyden, Holland. Originally, he intended this 'medicine' as a remedy for kidney disorders.


Random thought if you are in LA and looking for something to do tonight:
JAX OF ALL TRADES 8pm at the art/works Theater 6569 Santa Monica Blvd. For more info and tickets visit www.plays411.com/jax or call 323.960.7829

***DISCLAIMER/CREDIT*** I totally stole that photo from Sam from Becks and Posh...pretty though, isn't it!

Comments:
I am waiting to crack open my Pimms but the sun just wont come out properly in SF.

I can't imagine it without bubbles though - buy the village imports french lemonade(available bevmo and wholefoods and mollie stone etc) for when I make it.
 
i meant "I buy", sorry.
I made it look like i am telling you what you should buy
 
LOL.
I have tried it that way, but like it more with the Schwepps Lemonade (the classic way, I guess) than that, I did learn the hard way that Lemon Fanta is not a good substitute. Wow, was that ever wrong. LOL.

I hope the sun comes out soon for you! I know how chilly those SF summers are!
 
In the UK - any self-respecting Brit would only use R. Whites lemonade.

And I just noticed you can get it shipped in the US! (bet the postage is pricey)
 
I never saw R. Whites while I was there, will have to look for it when I go back. Maybe Schweppes is just more common in the Midlands...
 
R whites is such a classic - I wish I could show you the secret lemonade drinker clip but it soesn't seem to be online anymore.

This from Wikipedia:

In Britain in the 1970s lemonade was not considered a glamorous product. This was deliberately parodied in a television commercial for R. White's lemonade, in which a man sneaks downstairs in his pajamas singing "I'm a secret lemonade drinker — I'm trying to give it up but it's one of those nights." When his wife catches him at the refrigerator he sheepishly offers her a glass. The commercial was a huge success and ran for almost a decade, although later attempts to revive the campaign were less successful.
 
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