Homemade Pimm's

Based on its namesake spirit’s flavors of gin, fruit and spice, this homemade version is mixed with sparkling lemonade for the perfect garden party punch. Serves 10.

3 1/2 oz. sweet sherry or port
7 oz. sweet vermouth
10 oz. gin
3 1/2 oz. Cointreau
2 1/2 quarts sparkling lemonade (see below)
10 mint sprigs
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
Handful of strawberries, quartered
1/2 orange, thinly sliced
1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
Ice cubes
Tools: punchbowl or large pitcher, ladle
Glass: highball

Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl. When ready to serve, ladle into ice-filled glasses and garnish with fruit and cucumber slices from the punch bowl.

For the Lemonade
2 cups simple syrup (1:1)
Juice and zest of 10-12 lemons
8 cups chilled, sparkling mineral water

Combine all ingredients and stir.

Adapted from Recipes for Parties (Rizzoli, 2010)