I made this over the Labor Day weekend and did not get around to posting it until now. A simple, refreshing cocktail that is enjoyable with family and friends. The holiday weekend was hot and steaming here in Michigan but now it has finally cooled down.
Normally, I don’t drink mixed cocktails but this looked so good – I like ginger beer in my Moscow Mules and I even use it in cooking; see Island Style Ginger Beer Chicken. Ginger beer is non-alcoholic but it adapts well to recipes in addition to mixed beverages – it tones down the alcohol and gives drinks a bubbly flavor!
Pimm’s Cup No. 1 is a gin based liqueur with herbs, spices and caramelized oranges. It is deep red in color and 50 proof.
The Pimm’s Original mixed drink is very light, only 12 proof. There are many versions for a Pimm’s Original and often includes traditional sparkling water and or lemonade. We have James Pimm to thank at his Oyster Bar in London way back in 1840 for developing this beverage.
Ginger Beer is a naturally sweetened and carbonated beverage. It is produced by the natural fermentation of prepared ginger spice, yeast and sugar. It has gained in popularity because of Moscow Mules and Dark ‘n’ Stormy.
Agave nectar – This is a honey-like syrup made from several varieties of the agave plant. The lighter varieties are a good substitute for simple syrup in cocktails as it blends easily.
This recipe comes from a favorite Southern magazine, Louisiana Cookin’.
Pimm's Cooler with Ginger Beer
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 2 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 oz. Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur
- 2 tsp. fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp. agave nectar
- 4 slices English cucumber
- 3 oz. ginger beer (or more)
- cucumber slices, strawberry slices and fresh mint to garnish
Fill a Collins glass (10-14 oz.) with ice.
In a cocktail shaker, muddle the mint and strawberries. To muddle just means to use an instrument (see my walnut muddler in the pictures) to release the flavors of herbs, fruits and spices. Add the Pimm’s liqueur, lime juice, agave nectar and cucumber slices; add ice. Cover and shake until very cold. Strain intro prepared glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a cucumber slice, a strawberry and fresh mint.
http://cookingwithauntjuju.com/2018/08/16/pimms-cooler-wit…-and-ginger-beer/
Oh Judi, this caught my attention right away even though it’s breakfast time…. do you think I could drink this FOR breakfast? 🙂 You bet I could. My favorite flavors, love Pimms and with the addition of ginger beer? Wow! love ginger beer too. What a great combo! I’ll have to hurry and make this drink before the cooler weather comes around. Thanks for the recipe.
Breakfast Loretta – you’re too funny 🙂 Pimms and ginger beer are a good combination – a beverage with lots of pizzazz! You can say that again about the weather – Labor Day it was in the 90’s and today it’s in the 60’s – I almost turned my heat on 🙂
Love the flavors you have here, and the addition of cucumber and strawberries. So refreshing! 🙂
Thanks Ronit – there are a few mixed drinks I enjoy and this is one of them 🙂
Lovely!
Thanks Lynn!
You’re the first one I’ve met who has the same passion for Pimm’s that I do! 🌿😍
Great! Now there’s a few of us who love our Pimms and ginger beer 🙂
Hello! I hope you are well ( I was thinking of you only yesterday)! What a refreshing sounding drink! I love the combination of flavours you’ve used- sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing over at Fiesta Friday.
Thanks Laurena – it’s a very refreshing drink 🙂 I’m doing great – sorry to see the summer coming to an end. After 90’s last week and today it did not even get up to 70. How are you doing?
Yes, but Autumn is coming with all its wonderful squashes and gorgeous coloured leaves! 🙂 How am I? Ask me again tomorrow after my knee operation! I’m good right now! Tomorrow… well, we’ll see!
It all sounds so good and looks so refreshing!! I would be honored if you would share this at our What’s for Dinner party! http://www.lazygastronome.com/whats-for-dinner-sunday-link-up-165/
Thank you – I only party at Fiesta Friday but maybe I need to explore other parties. Thanks for asking… 🙂
So glad you joined us!! Hope to see you next week too.
Lovely cocktail Judi. We’d have to go easy here as our Ginger Beer is 4% alcohol. May just have to shake one of these up this evening. I love the garnish.
Thanks Ron – I guess there are a few brewers whose ginger beer contains 4-5% alcohol. In general most of them like Fever Tree are alcohol free or contain less than 0.5%. Yes, I would definitely go easy on your ginger beer – maybe substitute it with something else!
Sounds so refreshing, Judi! Will have to make this soon since it’s been a while since I last had Pimms.
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