When we visited Highclere Castle in July of 2019, back when the world was right-side-up, one of the most breathtaking parts of the tour, at least for my husband, Greg, was that in behind Highclere Castle during the touring season they set up a bar which had Pimm’s Cup on tap. The next day, amidst the crush of Borough Market in London on a Saturday, we found a vendor selling entire pitchers of Pimm’s Cup for 20 quid. This post is the attempt of replicating the feeling of both sipping Pimm’s Cup whilst strolling through the gardens at Highclere Castle, and enjoying a take away lunch under the overpasses at the bustling Borough Market in London in the summer. -C

English Pimm’s Cup Pitcher

Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) Pimm’s No. 1 (will be about 4 cups)
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup simple syrup (made with 1:1 ratio)
Sprigs of thyme, mint, and rosemary
Sliced lemons
Sliced English cucumbers
Sliced strawberries
Sliced mangoes (optional)
Gourmet ginger beer, such as Fever Tree (not ginger ale)

Directions:
1. In a gallon size drink dispenser or pitcher, pour in the bottle of Pimm’s, the lemon juice, and simple syrup.
2. Add in the herbs, lemon, strawberry, and cucumber slices. Reserve some for garnish. Mix well.
3. Optional: Muddle some of the cucumbers and fruit too!
4. Fill glasses with ice and herb/fruit garnishes. Shake 4 oz. per serving with ice until foamy and pour about 3/4 of the glass with the Pimm’s mixture, and top with a splash of ginger beer (and a fun straw!) *Only a splash of ginger beer is needed, it really packs a gingery punch!

Notes:
If you do not have simple syrup ready, heat 3/4 cup of sugar with 3/4 cup water over low heat in a small saucepan until dissolved. Makes exactly 1 cup.