Now that we’re all grown up, celebrating Mother’s Day has become a little more adult. Out are the days of the handmade card; in are the days of celebrating Mom with a cocktail in hand, the barbecue kicking, and perhaps a beach day to boot. Here’s a sampling of cocktail recipes that are classy, tasty, and refreshing—perfect for the lady of the house.
Friday Happy Hour: Traditional Tipple
Nothing says summer quite like lemonade. We’re serving up a spicy lemonade ditty that’s long been a favorite of the British: Pimm’s No. 1.
This liqueur stems back to a London oyster bar in the 1840s where proprietor James Pimm invented a digestive aid—gin, quinine and a secret mix of herbs and botanicals—that he sold in small tankard called a No. 1 cup. The drink name stuck, and by 1851, Pimm had two additional recipes: No. 2 using scotch and No. 3 using brandy. Fast-forward to the 1960s, and the Pimm’s stable was rounded out with six signature recipes; however, No. 1 is still a favorite.
Based on gin, No. 1 resembles tea in color with a spicy, citrus flavor and makes the perfect match with lemonade—an adult Arnold Palmer, if you will. There are a few caveats to Pimm’s: 1) there is no need to add any additional alcohol, just lemonade or ginger beer; 2) the cocktail must include mint and cucumber; and 3) it’s served cold, with ice cubes, not crushed ice.
For an authentic Pimm’s experience, try the following:
Pimm’s No.1 Cup, Victorian Era
- 1 part Pimm’s No. 1
- 2 parts chilled lemonade
- Orange, thinly sliced
- Lemon, small wedges
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Mint
In a long glass filled with cubed ice, add Pimm’s and lemonade. Add one piece of each fruit, stir; garnish with a sprig of mint.
For a more updated version of the No. 1 Cup, this variation is less acidic.
Traditional Pimm’s No.1 Cup
- 1 part Pimm’s No.1
- 3 parts chilled lemonade*
- Orange, thinly sliced
- Strawberry, quartered
- Cucumber, thinly sliced
- Mint
In a Collins glass filled with cubed ice, add Pimm’s and lemonade. Add one piece of each fruit (don’t overload), stir; garnish with a sprig of mint.
*For a twist, use two parts lemonade, one part ginger beer.
Saturday is for Campari
Bitter and citric, Campari isn’t for everyone. Developing a palate for this aperitif may take some time, but it’s worth the work.
This Mother’s Day, we’re offering up a nod to the Old Country with the Negroni—one part Campari, one part gin, and one part sweet red vermouth. Try this sweeter version of the classic drink, which ups the dose of Italiano with a little Solerno blood orange liqueur added to the mix.
Negroni Light
- 1 part Campari
- 1 part gin
- 1 part Solerno
- ½ oz. simple syrup (1:1)
- Squeeze of lemon
- Seltzer*
Fill a cocktail tin with ice, add ingredients and stir to mix ingredients. Strain into a Collins glass, add ice, and top with seltzer. Garnish with an blood orange wedge (optional).
*Make it citrusy and sub out the seltzer with some ruby red grapefruit juice.
Sunday Funday: A Brunch-Time Favorite
This Sunday, put a motherly twist on that classic mimosa with this recipe, aptly named the Momosa.
- 4 oz. Prosecco
- 1 oz. St. Germaine
- ½ oz. Chambord
- Splash of pink grapefruit juice
Pour the ingredients in the order listed into a Champagne flute, give it a quick stir, and raise your glass to Mom.
If you would like to nominate a cocktail recipe to appear in our latest series, “Weekend Cocktails,” email the online editor here.
Tools of the Trade
Become a master mixologist, or at least look like one, with the tools that make the trade.
- Muddler: This little tenderizing stick is a godsend and a must for any home bar. If fruity cocktails are in your future, the muddler is the only way to unlock fruits’ flavor.
- Handheld Citrus Juicer: Nothing beats freshly squeezed juice, but it can be a pain. Invest in a handheld citrus juicer; they are cheap and do the trick tout de suite.
- Cocktail Shaker: Purchase a nice shaker and become a master home barkeep.
- Jigger: This little apparati will make mixing the perfect drink as easy as pie. It’s equipped with 1½ oz. and ¾ oz. cups for perfectly measured pours every time.
*Pictured available at Williams-Sonoma
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