One of my favorite classic cocktails is the Pimm’s Cup. It originated in England in the 1840s and was marketed as a health tonic by a bar owner named James Pimm. The secret mixture became so popular that he began selling it commercially all over the world. It didn’t become super popular in the States until the late 1940s when the Napoleon House located in the French Quarter of New Orleans started making it. The father of the current proprietor was looking for a cocktail that would be refreshing in the warm New Orleans weather, but wasn’t high in alcohol content. This low ABV drink is also perfect for the weather in Palm Springs and is even better when frozen into an icy cold treat. I added pomegranate juice to these popsicles for a tart and seasonal twist on the classic Pimm’s Cup.
Pomegranate Pimm’s Cup Popsicles
Makes 10 ice pops
1 1/4 cups Pimm’s No. 1
12 oz. ginger beer
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
2 oz. lemon juice
5 strawberries hulled and thinly sliced
10 cucumber slices
pomegranate seeds
popsicle mold
popsicle sticks
First pour your ginger beer into a bowl. Stir and let sit out to release carbonation. Then add Pimm’s, pomegranate juice and lemon juice.
Stir your ingredients and then pour into your popsicle mold leaving some room at the top. Add a strawberry slice, cucumber slice and some pomegranate seeds to each mold. Cover and add popsicle sticks. Send to the freezer for at least 6 hours, but overnight is always recommended.
These came out a little tart which I loved because it was super refreshing. If you want them a little sweeter I would suggest adding an ounce or so of simple syrup to the mix. I used an all natural, not-from-concentrate pomegranate juice and a very spicy ginger beer. The flavors blended so well together that I would be interested in making the cocktail version of these popsicles too! The great part about these is the alcohol content is so low that you don’t need to worry about the popsicles not freezing properly. If you want to up alcohol content, I would say split the Pimm’s in half and add the spirit of your choice. I love adding Gin to my Pimm’s Cup but any spirit would be a great. The frozen fruit in these is reminiscent of the fancy garnishes that usually accompany the cocktail and are visually pleasing as well as delicious. These were super easy, so I hope you enjoy them while the weather is still warm. Who am I kidding? Isn’t it always beautiful in Palm Springs?
Cheers!
~Natalie
Author and Photography: Natalie Jacob
