I like a summer drink that doesn't take itself too seriously.

When the temperatures start to rise and you need relief from the heat, the best way to survive is a little something light and refreshing. Something invigorating and most importantly, very, very cold.




Around here, rosé or Pastis is the obvious choice. Then an English friend made up a batch of his Pimm's Cup one evening and we've been smitten ever since.

The Pimm's Cup is a quintessential New Orleans summer drink, to which I happily introduced myself one hot, humid day at one of the city's best bars, the Napoleon House.

It is also very popular in England. And my friend's version is excellent!
He doesn't use the pre-mixed Pimm's 1 beverage mix. He makes his own with two parts 40% gin, two parts red vermouth and one part Cointreau. He then stirs together one part of this mix to three parts fizzy lemonade and adds plenty of sliced oranges, strawberries, cucumber and mint.

The result is a fresh, light and citrusy summer drink that definitely beats the heat!