I have yet to write a post with an all-caps title but this is that important. I made a pitcher of the best drink ever and I’m considering writing to the president to make it our national drink.

It all started a few weeks ago at The Standard Hotel’s Beer Garden (Biergarten). I quickly got sick of beer and chatted with the bartender who recommended their version of a Pimm’s Cup. Well it turns out I don’t really like Pimm’s, but I do like vodka 🙂

After looking around at a few variations of Pimm’s Cup recipes online, I put this one together and it is so refreshing, so easy to drink, and so perfect for summer.

Ingredients: (makes 1 pitcher with about 6 servings)

2 lemons, sliced

1 orange, sliced

1 cucumber (about 6″), sliced

quarter cup of mint leaves (even if you think you don’t like mint)

2 cups of vodka (get the good stuff)

1-1.5 cups of lemonade (depends on the sweetness and your personal taste)

1.5 cups of seltzer

Slice the fruit and cucumber, pick off the mint leaves and combine in a large pitcher.

Hellooooo juicy Valencia orange. I love you.

Depending on the size of your pitcher, you may want to do the mashing (muddling) in batches. Mash the heck out of it with a wooden spoon so you get some good juices.

Add the vodka and lemonade and stir it really well, scooping up from the bottom so you get all the good stuff from the fruit.

Let it sit in the fridge for up to three hours and add the seltzer just before serving. Pour over ice and garnish with cucumber or mint.

There’s really only one problem. What is this drink called? I need ideas – leave a comment and if I like your suggestion maybe I’ll make you a pitcher…