What: For reasons unknown, at some point in the 20th century New Orleans took a cue from London and adopted the Pimm’s Cup as a favorite hometown cocktail. Combining the British gin-based liqueur Pimm’s No. 1 with lemonade and 7-Up, the drink is served in a highball glass and garnished with cucumber. Subtly sweet, tangy, and refreshing, it instantly summons summer.
Where: Historic Napoleon House (500 Chartres St., map) in the French Quarter is the place for Pimm’s. There’s a pretty little courtyard out back, or you might sit at the dark and atmospheric bar.
When: The bar’s hours are Tues-Sat, 11am-“till.”
Order: A Pimm’s Cup ($6.50), for there or to go (or both). Napoleon House is also a great place to try a warm muffuletta.
Alternatively: You can find this at many cocktail bars around town, but for an interesting twist, try the frozen-daiquiri version of a Pimm’s Cup at the excellent bar St. Lawrence (219 N. Peters St., map), at the edge of the French Quarter.
