RECIPE: MAKE A PIMM'S CUP THE PERFECT WARM WEATHER COCKTAIL

Martie Duncan April 27, 2022

PIMM’S CUP COCKTAIL
A Pimm’s Cup is my absolute favorite warm weather cocktail. I have a lot of memories tied to it too. I spent some summers in England.and there were always Pimm’s Cups served at British summer sporting events like polo, racing, and Wimbledon. Pimm’s Cup #1 is a gin based spirit with some fruity undertones which is why it makes the perfect light, summery drink.

Here’s my recipe for summer’s most refreshing cocktail:

Makes 1

INGREDIENTS
In a highball glass add:
2 ounces Pimm's No. 1 Cup liqueur to the good ice ( Sonic sells it by the bag if you don’t have a crushed ice maker)
Top with 3-4 ounces lemon lime soda (sometimes I use ginger ale)

Garnish with:
1 cucumber slice
1 lemon wedge
2 sprigs mint

COCKTAIL HOUR: POPSICLES AND PROSECCO

Martie Duncan May 21, 2015

Looking for a super easy and super fast cocktail or dessert for your summer dinner party, supper club, or get-together? Need the perfect "guest greeter" beverage for your wedding or rehearsal dinner? Why not make Popsicles and Prosecco... the perfect adult summer treat? This is a breeze to make, extremely affordable, and everyone will love it!

You can make your own homemade popsicles like I did or you can just buy really delicious flavors at most organic grocers. Even Wal-Mart has Mexican "paletas" (gourmet ice pops) in flavors like Coconut, Lime, and Mango. No matter what variety you choose, this party-starter or dessert is easy, elegant, and absolutely a crowd-pleaser! You can match your colors to your party's color scheme, or serve a variety of flavors like I have here. I find the fruity flavors work best rather than creamy flavors and I also prefer Prosecco to Cava or Champagne because it is a bit sweeter and pairs better, IMO.

So, all you have to do is to make sure your pops are really frozen so they don't melt too fast. Also, chill the Prosecco a little colder than you normally would. When you are ready to serve, just pop the popsicle into a wine glass, pour over the chilled Prosecco and serve! You can also serve this with chilled ginger ale, chilled Italian sparkling soda, ginger beer, or seltzer if you prefer not to serve alcohol.

VARIATIONS ON A THEME:

Coffee or Chocolate Popsicles with Kahlua

Lime, Orange, or Watermelon Popsicles with Chilled Tequila

Lemon Popsicles or Sorbet with a Shot of Chilled Chambord

Raspberry Popsicles or Sorbet with a Shot of Chilled Limoncello

Coco-Cola Popsicles with a Shot of Chilled Bourbon

You get the picture... for the sorbet, line up your glasses on a tray and chill for 30 minutes. first. Scoop in the sorbet and chill until party time. Just before serving, pour over the liqueur or serve the liqueur in a chilled shot glass on the side.

RECIPE: STRAWBERRY PEAR SANGRIA

Martie Duncan November 22, 2014

Are you entertaining a crowd this weekend? Here's a recipe that is not only delicious, it is inexpensive to serve for a large party. And it tastes as good as it looks! I had this as a cocktail at Ray's Boathouse in Seattle; a wonderful waterfront seafood restaurant. I've tweaked the original to make it for a crowd and included a some pomegranate and a little club soda. Scroll down to get a seasonal variation for holiday sangria. Perfect for a holiday open house or large gathering.

While traditionally made with red wine Sangria can be made with any variation of fruit and wine including sparkling white wine, Prosecco, or Cava. Change the fruit and the wine choice to the season.

STRAWBERRY PEAR SANGRIA

Serves 6-8

1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 teaspoon sugar

1 each lemon, lime, and orange, cut into thin slices

1 pear, sliced

2 cups Pear Vodka (Absolut or Grey Goose)

1 bottle White Wine (use something crisp)

1/2 cup Pomegranate juice (I often use Pama Liqueur instead if I have it)

Club Soda

Muddle the strawberry and the citrus fruit with the sugar in a large pitcher to release the juices. Add the remaining ingredients. You can serve this immediately but it's even better if it has a chance to sit for 4 hours or more. I like to chill it for at least 2 hours before serving but you can serve it over ice. Top with club soda to taste at serving.

SEASONAL VARIATION: HOLIDAY SANGRIA

Add some cranberries in place of the lemon and white cranberry juice cocktail in place of the pomegranate juice. A splash of Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur is a nice touch but not required. I often add a sprig of rosemary and let that infuse for a few minutes only because the taste is strong. Garnish with cranberries on a skewer.