Celebrating in Style: A guide to British drinking

I took this photo of the Thames and Parliament in June while in London.

The Olympics are in full-swing and Americans certainly have something to celebrate. Having won 63 medals to date, the U.S. athletes have proven their worth in the London Olympics. Although the events may be across the pond, Americans can still celebrate in style with traditional English drinks. Whether you’re hosting a large event or leisurely watching the games from home, the Brits have a drink for you.

Pimm’s: 

First and foremost, in my opinion, is Britain’s national drink. Known as Pimm’s, the classic drink is sold in liquor form or ready-to-drink cans mixed with lemonade. The spicy and citrus flavor of Pimm’s is traditionally mixed with lemonade, mint, cucumber, orange and strawberries to create the unique and refreshing taste. Perfect for outdoor events or barbecues, the drink will keep you and your guests cooled off as you celebrate the history of this nearly 200-year-old delight.

Tea:

Introduced by the Portuguese, tea did not become a pastime for all Brits until the 19th century. Since then, the British have incorporated the drink into their culture whether it be in the form of afternoon tea or high tea.

So, what’s the difference? Afternoon tea historically began as a pre-dinner meal. Scones, sandwiches and pastries accompanied the drink. Today, afternoon tea has become a bit of a delicacy and a must when visiting the country. High tea, on the other hand, signified what we know as dinner or supper. When high tea was popular, most Brits ate their largest meal around midday and a lighter meal, high tea, in the evening.

Regardless of what you call it, tea is a great compliment to watching an equestrian or synchronized swimming competition.

Ale:

Choosing the perfect brew is a daunting task when in London. The first alcoholic beverage to be produced in England, the drink is as commonplace as sweet tea in the South. The options are endless, though no apparent “favorite” can be noted. It seems that Brits, much like Americans, have differences in opinion when it comes to this beloved beverage. One fact is undeniable, however, a soccer game is not complete without friends and refreshing ale.

Cider:

Often overlooked as a traditionally English drink, cider’s origins in the UK date back to 1066, according to some accounts. Because of the low-tax, a recent article shows that cider sales are dramatically increasing, especially among young people. The definition of cider in the UK varies a bit, ranging from alcoholic to non-alcoholic. For all you trend-setters, trade in traditional lager for what many consider a lighter and sweeter summer drink.