Pimm’s is a brand of gin-based fruit cup, but may also be considered a liqueur. It was first produced in 1823 by James Pimm and has been owned by Diageo since 1997.
It has a dark-brown colour with a reddish tint, and tastes subtly of spice and citrus fruit. As a summer long drink, it is normally served as Pimm’s cocktail, a drink with “English-style” (clear and carbonated) lemonade, as well as various chopped garnishes, particularly apples, cucumber, oranges, lemons, strawberry, and mint or borage, though nowadays most substitute mint. Ginger ale is a common substitute for lemonade.
Pimm’s can also be mixed with Champagne (or a sparkling white wine), called a “Pimm’s Royal Cup”. Pimm’s Winter Cup is generally mixed with warm apple juice.
They say the Pimm’s Cup isn’t the only delicious cocktail made with the British spirit. To set you in the mood for summer season, here are a few deliciously refreshing recipes to try at your next house party.
The Leading Role
Ingredients
.75 oz Irish whiskey
.75 oz Scotch
.5 oz Pimm’s No. 1
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz agave syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Instructions
Combine all ingredients and shake over ice; double strain into a coupe glass.
Pimm’s Spritz
Ingredients
50 ml Pimm’s No. 1
75 ml lemonade
25 ml sparkling wine
Sliced cucumber
1 spring mint
Instructions
Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes. Pour in Pimm’s No. 1. Pout in lemonade and stir. Top with sparkling wine. For garnish, add a few slices of cucumber and sprig of mint.
Pimm’s & Tonic (2 servings)
Ingredients
4 oz Pimm’s No. 1
2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 2 lemons
.5 oz simple syrup
Fever Tree tonic
Instructions
Combine Pimm’s No. 1, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake for about 15 seconds. Strain, pouring evenly between two ice-filled collins glasses. Top with tonic, stir, and serve.
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup (single serving)
Ingredients
50 ml Pimm’s No.1
150 ml lemonade
2 sliced strawberries
2 orange wheels/wedges
2 slices cucumber
1 spring mint
Instructions
Fill a highball glass with ice cubs. Pour in Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade. Add strawberries, orange, and cucumber. Stir and top with mint sprig and serve with a paper straw.
The Pimm’s Short
Ingredients
50 ml Pimm’s No. 1
50 ml lemonade
1 orange peel
Instructions
Fill a short glass/tumbler with ice cubes. Pour in Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade. Stir. Garnish with orange peel.
