Sure, World Cup mania is hitting a fever pitch right now and cachaça and caipirinhas are taking center stage, but for tennis folk, it's almost time for Wimbledon and that means plenty of Pimm's Cups. Using the original gin-based Pimm's No. 1, the drink commonly includes citrus, cucumber, and mint and either lemonade or ginger ale. However, there are many unique takes on the super-refreshing Pimm's Cup served up fresh in town that you can sample during Wimbledon from June 23 until July 6.
See Also: 10 Best Cocktail Bars in Metro Phoenix
Tuck Shop It's best to start off with a place that mixes the Pimm's Cup closest to its original formula, and Tuck Shop gets pretty darn close. Pimm's No. 1, lemonade syrup and soda water made in house, fresh lime, and a cucumber slice-- it's plain, simple, and $8.75.
Phoenix Public Market Cafe Jax Gonzalez mixes up one heck of a garden fresh take on the drink. The Farmer's Cup ($8), made with lemonade, basil, cucumber, lime, and a salt and pepper rim, i's almost as savory as it is refreshing.
Windsor Why get a cup of Pimm's when you can get a whole pitcher? Windsor's Pitcha of Pimm's is only served from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the weekends, but it's an absolute smokin' deal at $5 per pitcher. You might be in trouble.
Clever Koi Being always clever, this take on the classic cocktail is called the Pimm Jung Ill. However, it's use of the herbal Contratto Fernet and funny name isn't all that sets it apart. It's also the only cup on the list to use a different Pimm's blend (No. 5 in this case, which is rye whiskey based).
Hanny's Despite being called "The Original Pimm's Cup," Hanny's $8 drink uses ginger beer. Other than that, it's apple, orange, and cucumber are all pretty straighforward.
Beckett's Table "Miss Katie's" take on the drink comes from the Napoleon House in the New Orleans' French Quarter and really packs a punch.. Pimms No.1 and Ketel One Vodka make the liquor base for this $9 cocktail.
Lux While pretty much any cocktail you order is fully customizable, Lux bartenders suggest basil in place of mint for your drink. However, they also use Bonal liqueur and Tito's vodka in their version. No Pimm's here, but it sure is tasty.
AZ 88 If any Pimm's Cup has a devoted following, it's AZ 88. Maybe that's because they don't complicate it there. Canada Dry ginger ale, Pimm's No. 1 Liqueur, and lime juice make this $8,50 drink the simplest on the list.
Shady's Although they might not always have cucumber on hand at Shady's, you can get a $6 Pimm's Cup any time, day or night. Or, if you're snobby about your ginger beer, you can opt to be upsold to Gosling's or Fever Tree for $2.50 or $3.50 more respectively.
The Local The minty amaro cousin to Clever Koi's Pimm Jung Ill is The Local's Jitterbug. With the cooling Branca Menta added to Pimm's No. 1, lemon, ginger beer, and grapefruit zest, this take on the drink is about as refreshing as it gets. Plus, it's only $6 during happy hour and reverse happy hour.