A Pimm’s shandy brings together the best elements of two hot-weather favorites. Above all, a Pimm’s cup should taste refreshing and be easy drinking. A shandy, another classic drink in this model, consists of beer and lemonade. Using a lighter beer, such as a Pilsner or blonde ale, keeps this combo bright and crisp. Best consumed poolside.

　　This recipe was excerpted from 'Every Cocktail Has a Twist' by Carey Jones and John McCarthy. Buy the full book on Amazon.

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What you’ll need

　　Chevron

　　Chevron

　　Juice Squeezer

　　$25 At Amazon

　　Cocktail Shaker

　　$20 At Amazon

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

　　

For the simple syrup

4 oz. water

　　4 oz. granulated white sugar

　　

For the cocktail

1½ oz. Pimm’s No. 1

　　¼ oz. lemon juice

　　¼ oz. Simple Syrup

　　10 leaves mint, torn in half just before added to shaker

　　2 oz. Pilsner or blonde ale

　　2 or 3 large sprigs mint for garnish

　　1 lemon wheel for garnish

　　

Make the simple syrup

Step 1

In a kettle or microwave, heat the water until nearly boiling. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely. Let cool to room temperature before using. Makes approximately 7 ounces. Store refrigerated.

　　

Make the cocktail

Step 2

In a cocktail shaker, combine Pimm’s No. 1, lemon juice, Simple Syrup, and torn mint leaves. Fill the shaker with ice and seal it. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds and double strain into a pint glass filled with ice. Top with the beer and stir gently and briefly. Lightly tap the mint sprigs against your hand to release their aromatic oils before adding them to the drink. Also garnish with a lemon wheel.

　　Excerpted from Every Cocktail Has a Twist by Carey Jones and John McCarthy. Copyright © 2023. Used with permission of the publisher, Countryman Press. All rights reserved. Buy the full book from Amazon or WW Norton.