Makes about 4 servings

A traditional Pimm’s Cup is made from Pimm’s No. 1, a gin based spirit containing about 25% alcohol.  Pimm’s Cup is traditionally drunk at boating events in England, particularly at Henley_Royal_Regatta and Eights Week in Oxford.  Depending on the recipe, it can be a bit more like a fruit salad than a drink.  In Oxford, the various collages have large boat houses along the banks of the river Thames.  During Eights Week the students make up big tubs of Pimm’s Cup, and sell it to spectators to raise funds for their activities.

2 oranges, cut into thin slices 2 lemon, cut into thin slices 2 red apples, cored but skin on, diced 1 English cucumber, cut into thin slices 3 cups Pimm’s No. 1 2 cups citrus based soda like 7-up, Grapefruit soda or Collins mix Fresh mint Ice, lots of ice   Put all ingredients in a large punch bowl or crock and stir gently.  To serve, fill a tall glass with ice and ladle the punch into it.  Garnish each glass with a slice of each kind of fruit and a sprig of mint.