HIP SIPS


Indian-Summer Sipping


By Erin Rech

As the warm fall weather finally hits Alameda, sit back and relax with a glass of England’s spring cooler, Pimm’s No. 1 Cup. The British will have long abandoned their iced drinks and have begun hibernating in pubs for the rest of the year, but Alameda residents can still revel in the lasting sunshine, drink in hand.
    Every June marks the debut of Pimm’s, a refreshing cocktail adorned with fruit and veggies that heralds the onset of spring and a tennis tournament at Wimbledon. Londoners rush outdoors to glimpse the sun and enjoy a few rain-free days in the city’s verdant parks. Alamedans may not rejoice as heartily when the summer fog lifts, but they can celebrate with the sweet flavors of England’s springtime drink.
    James Pimm first offered the tonic in his London oyster bar in the 1840s. He based his drink on gin with a portion of quinine and a secret herb mixture to aid in digestion. The concoction’s official name is Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, referring to the small tankard used to serve drinks in that era. Backed by some well-to-do customers, Pimm marketed the drink commercially, and its popularity rose among English society’s posh set. Following World War II, Pimm’s grew to include five additional “cups.” No. 2 was based on scotch, No. 3 on brandy, No. 4 on rum, No. 5 on rye and No. 6 on vodka. Pimm’s No. 1 and No. 6 are still in production today, but most drinks call for the more popular No. 1.
    The traditional Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, ordered in England simply as Pimm’s, contains one part Pimm’s No. 1 to two parts lemonade, poured over ice and a mix of cubed oranges, lemons, apples and cucumbers. Add a sprig of mint as a garnish, and the cocktail is complete. Many Pimm’s combinations taste equally delicious, including recipes using Champagne or ginger ale. A basic Pimm’s and soda water offers a less labor-intensive alternative to the summer beverage.
    Rumor has it that just six people know the secret recipe for Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, so take a sip and try to unravel the mystery. Pick up a bottle or two for a Labor Day soiree without flying across the Atlantic by visiting Farmstead Cheeses & Wines (1650 Park St., 510-864-9643). A quick stop at Alameda Natural Grocery (1650 Park St., 510-865-1500) provides the garnishes and lemonade to top it off. Cheers!