The ongoing Wimbledon reminds how a well made fruit cup like Pimm’s No. 1 is eternal
The ongoing Wimbledon reminds how a well made fruit cup like Pimm's No. 1 is eternal
Hyderabad: Apart from strawberries and cream, Wimbledon’s off-field culture is most defined by the Pimm’s Cup. The Pimm’s No. 1 fruit cup is known the world over as the quintessential English summer cup that gives the consumer a heady mix of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as spirits.
Fruit cups are most commonly gin-based, although there are some varieties based on other spirits such as vodka. The base gin is flavoured with various herbs, spices, fruit, and botanicals. In this process, its strength is reduced. Fruit cup producers suggest adding fruit as a garnish to the drink and to improve the flavour; recommendations include apple, orange, strawberry, lemon, lime, cucumber and mint leaves.
Although fruit cups were considered summer drinks, they are consumed around the year. And in a country like India where the heat is consistent through much of the year, fruit cups would work perfectly at any time of the year.
If you find the gin-based fruit cup a bit too cooling for the monsoons or winter, you could use whisky or brandy as the base liquor.
Apart from the Pimm’s Cup, the other popular fruit cup is the Austin’s. It’s made of fruit flavour aromatised wine with 21.9 per cent ABV.
Launched in 2003 and produced by the makers of Plymouth Gin, the Plymouth Cup is one of the strongest fruit cups at 30 per cent ABV. This gives it a fuller flavour as the gin is mixed with fruit liqueurs, vermouths, aromatic bitters and citrus extracts.
Ginger wine is also used instead of whisky or brandy to give the fruit cup a warmer mouth. One can cut through the heat with intelligent use of fruits. Citrus and heat may be a jarring combination. Use watermelon chunks, mint and ginger slivers to make a warm fruit cup. Bear in mind that the drink is as potent as you make it.
( Source : dc )
Next Story
