For the Love of Pimm’s!

You’ve probably seen it on a menu, bleary eyed and barely clinging to life at a NOLA bachelorette party the morning after. We’re talking Pimm’s and it was introduced to England in the mid 19th century when James Pimm, who owned an oyster bar in London, released a tipple called "No. 1 Cup," which he claimed was a tonic to aid digestion. His cocktail, which showcased this gin-based liqueur, was dubbed "Pimm's Cup," and rang of all things quininey, herbaceous and fruity.  By 1851, Pimm began large-scale production on his drink. Since its original creation and evolution into other cup blends, the drink has traveled across Britain, crossed into other European countries and been exported across the world.  For reasons unknown, at some point in the 20th century New Orleans took a cue from London and adopted the Pimm’s Cup as a low ABV favorite. Combining Pimm’s with lemonade and 7-Up, the drink is served in a highball glass and garnished with cucumber, strawberrys, mint, rosemary… basically whatever is in your fridge that you were planning on turning into a salad. Subtly sweet, tangy, and refreshing, it’s the kind of guilty pleasure anyone can enjoy on a hot summer night.