Pimm’s Cup may be the drink of Wimbledon, but spring strawberries always inspire me to rush the season. I became a fan of the drink while a student in Ann Arbor, MI where it was served at The Old Town Tavern. Although it’s still there, the last of the “townie” bars on the city’s Old West Side, it’s no longer on the menu. Light and refreshing, it still makes me think of summer.

What separates the Old Town Pimm’s Cup, is the addition of tonic water. For years I thought the Old Town cocktail was the original, and searched in vain to find it. I now realize that as a liqueur, Pimm’s can be mixed with anything, yet my preference remains for this bittersweet recipe. The Old Town did not use strawberries, but I like the additional fragrance and complexity.

Since Wimbledon is a daytime event the traditional Pimm’s Cup is low in alcohol. To make a stronger cocktail, I add gin, which compliments its British profile.

When I discovered that a popular Pimm’s cocktail featured ginger ale I had to try it with my hometown favorite, Vernors. Not as strongly flavored as ginger beer, it nevertheless has a balanced, spicy effervescence.

Old Town Pimm’s Cup

Serves 1

2 oz. Pimm’s No. 1

6 oz. tonic water

Sliced strawberries

Slices of lemon

Slices of orange

Add all the ingredients to a tall glass with ice. Stir and serve.

Pimm’s Gin & Tonic

Serves 1

2 oz. Pimm’s Cup

1 oz. gin

4 oz. tonic water

Sliced strawberries

Slices of lemon

Slices of orange

Add all the ingredients to a tall glass with ice. Stir and serve.

Detroit Pimm’s Cup

Serves 1

2 oz. Pimm’s No. 1

6 oz. Vernors’ ginger ale

Sliced strawberries

Slices of lemon

Slices of orange

Add all the ingredients to a tall glass with ice. Stir and serve.