Wedding Wednesday: A Light Refreshing Alcoholic Beverage

In our crowd the beverage of choice to share at a wedding on a sunny afternoon seems to be a Pimm's cup. "What the Mojito is to Cuba and the mint julep is to America, the Pimm's Cup is to England—a refreshing, seasonal sipper that's both a symbol of national pride and an international infatuation (Source: Bon Appetit)." Andy shared this drink with guests at Krissia and David's wedding in June, and Steve23 shared this drink with guests at Julia and Simon's vow renewal ceremony this past weekend (his Pimm's cup assembly line is featured on A Timeless Affair Events today).

There are a few twists on the basic recipe which was created by James Pimm in the 1840s:

• Pimm's Cup recipe from Brooke Arthur, bar manager of Range
• The Craftsmann's Pimm's cup recipe
• Traditional Wimbledon Pimm's cup recipe

For a picnic, plan ahead for the perfect Pimm's cup. You'll want to have all of your limes cut into wedges, your strawberries and cucumbers sliced, and your lemons juiced. If making fresh, organize an assembly line.

Have someone muddle the strawberries and cucumber.

Measure the lemon juice and add to the muddled fruit.

Add your Ginger Ale and Pimm's No. 1 and you're done!

Bon Apetit!

Eden

 

Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for Recipes for the Good Life.

What I Crave: The Perfect Cocktail

Last night I tried a restaurant's signature drink - The ChinChin Bloody Mary, a version of a Bloody Mary. The drink that arrived on my table didn't match its description. It was spicy but plain. I was expecting something more like this drink from Skate's on the Bay.

When I dine alone I people watch. Last night I was fascinated by the drinks, specifically their lack of style. None were adorned with lemon or orange twists, with mint leaves, or cherries. I've gotten spoiled by the San Francisco bartenders who concoct wonders such as these.

from Range

from Luce

One local bar that I'll miss when we move is The Orbit Room, specifically their Blood and Sand cocktail, one of the few drinks that includes Scotch.

Where's your favorite local bar? What's your favorite cocktail?

Bon Apetit!

Eden

 

Credits: All images taken by Eden Hensley Silverstein for Recipes for the Good Life.

Guestbook Recipe: Velvet Crush

This past Sunday cubes and I got married. Being foodies, instead of a traditional guestbook, we asked our guests to bring and share with us their favorite recipes. As we try our hands at these recipes we'll be sharing the results here with you.

To kick off this series and to celebrate our first weekend as husband and wife, we're going to feature a drink recipe. Hope you enjoy it. I personally can't wait to try it.

Velvet Crush
Shared by Nathan Hunsperger

Ingredients

• 2 shots Organic Vodka
• 1 1/2 shots Cucumber Juice
• 1/2 shot Grapefruit Juice
• 1/2 shot Falernum
• 1/2 Lime
• 2 Sage Leaves

Instructions

• Combine in shaker and serve in chilled glass.

Before this recipe, I hadn't heard of Falernum. A quick Google search solved the mystery.

"Falernum is a flavored syrup that originated in Barbados.  From there it gets a little hazier.  Falernum can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic.  It generally contains ginger, cloves, and lime, but could include any number of other ingredients for flavor.  Most recipes include some sort of bitter almond flavor.  It is typically yellowish in color, but not necessarily (Source with recipe)."

Everyone ready now? OK then. Raise your glasses and toast.

Mazel Tov! 

Have a great weekend. We sure will.