Summer sipping
(bbc.co.uk)
Updated: 2006-07-31 14:52
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Rose wine with food--recipes
Wine-savvy drinkers in France and Spain know that good rose is a great food wine. It's drunk with a wide range of dishes, from spicy bouillabaisse to garlicky grilled prawns and paella--particularly in the summer months. The key to its versatility is that it's uncomplicated and easy-drinking. It's as good with, say, barbecued chicken or burgers, as it is with more sophisticated dishes. Give it a whirl at your next barbecue, or try it with some of these recipes:
Paella on the barbecue
Rick Stein's carpetshell clams with aioli
Piri-piri chicken
Bouillabaisse
Pimm's and'fruit cups'
Fruit cups such as Pimm's--alcoholic drinks flavoured with a variety of fruits and herbs--were all the rage in the 19th century. Having stood the test of time,they're just as popular in the 21st century. The best-known'fruit cup'is undoubtedly Pimm's, but it's not the only one--a rival, Plymouth Gin Fruit Cup, was launched in spring 2003.
History of the'fruit cup'
Pimm's itself was invented 180 years ago in London by a man called James Pimm, a bartender at The Oyster Bar, in the City. It was originally sold as a health tonic--despite the alcohol content.
A century or so ago, there were six Pimm's Cups, based on various spirits, such as gin, vodka, whisky, rye, brandy and rum. These days, Pimm's makes just two, the best-known of which is the gin-based 'Pimm's No 1 Cup'. There is also a vodka-based version. The recipes for both drinks, say the makers, are 'a closely guarded secret known to only six people'.
In the mix
Despite the range of flavours and aromas in these drinks, few people would drink Pimm's or other fruit cups neat. These drinks are natural mixers, and really come into their own when enhanced with lemonade, ginger ale or tonic. Despite the'posh'image, Pimm's doesn't suffer from taking itself too seriously.
There are as many recipes for making Pimm's as people who drink the stuff, but there a few essential flavours. Cucumber and mint can't be left out for a classic fruit cup, and if you consider yourself a classicist, adorn your glass with a sprig or two of borage and some borage flowers. Orange is nearly essential, strawberries hard to fault and apple is nice. Some people are even partial to cherries.
The perfect fruit cup
Making the perfect fruit cup is all down to what you like. Get the biggest jug you can find, gather together seasonal fruits and herbs, add them in varying quantities and experiment, experiment, experiment.