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The perfect Pimm's recipe
Jul 3, 2024
It's officially happening - people are dusting off their jugs, fresh fruit is flying off the shelves and lemonade sales are hitting the roof. This can only mean one thing: it's Pimm's season baby.
There's nothing quite like a glass of this fresh, fruity cocktail while basking in the afternoon sun. It's what us Brits wait for all year long and nothing can take the unbridled joy of that first sunny sip away from us.
The thing is, by the time summer rolls around we're all a little rusty from a long, Pimm's-less winter. We're thinking, 'what's the ratio again?', 'what fruit do I put in?' and 'what even IS Pimm's?'. We're here to help.
In this feature, we're taking you on a journey of discovery to learn all about this iconic British tipple. Find out what Pimm’s is exactly, what it’s made of, what it tastes like and, of course, discover the perfect Pimm’s recipe that will have you sorted for the rest of the summer.
Once you're a certified Pimm's expert, be sure to check out our recipes for a ginny Pimm's punch or this Captain Commander cocktail that mixes Pimm's, gin, Campari, sweet vermouth and sparkling wine for an irresistibly smooth summer serve.
Read on for everything you need to know about Pimm's and the perfect Pimm's recipe.
Image: Pimm’s
What is Pimm’s?
Classic Pimm’s is a quintessentially British alcoholic liqueur, or “cup”, that was first invented by James Pimm in 1840 to serve at his London oyster bar.
Deep red in colour and with a fruity and subtly spiced flavour profile, this delicious liqueur was originally created to be a digestif to accompany the oysters that James served. The first Pimm’s drink was Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, which takes its name from the “No.1 Cup” (a small tankard) in which it was served in.
Whilst James’ oyster bar is no longer with us, Pimm’s, normally served with lemonade and fruit today, has now become synonymous with British summertime drinks and the Wimbledon tennis tournament (Pimm’s was first served at Wimbledon in 1972!) alongside strawberries and cream. Check out these Wimbledon-worthy gin and strawberry cocktail recipes that are perfect for when you need a little break from the Pimm's!
What does Pimm’s taste like?
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is sweet and rich, fruity and herbaceous, with subtle yet complex juniper and spice notes forming a deliciously moreish base.
What kind of alcohol is Pimm’s?
Pimm’s No.1 Cup is made with gin, but this wasn’t the only Pimm’s drink that has existed. The drinks brand had a whole numbered range, each one made with different alcohol:
Pimm's No. 7 Cup. Image: Pimm’s
- Pimm’s No. 2 Cup was made with Scotch whisky
- Pimm’s No. 3 Cup was made with brandy
- Pimm’s No. 4 Cup was made with rum
- Pimm’s No. 5 Cup was made with rye whiskey
- Pimm’s No. 6 Cup was made with vodka
- Pimm’s No. 7 Cup was made with tequila
- Pimm’s No. 2 Cup was made with Scotch whisky
- Pimm’s No. 3 Cup was made with brandy
- Pimm’s No. 4 Cup was made with rum
- Pimm’s No. 5 Cup was made with rye whiskey
- Pimm’s No. 6 Cup was made with vodka
- Pimm’s No. 7 Cup was made with tequila
Unfortunately, numbers two to five and No. 7 Cup were phased out of production in 1970. No. 6 Cup was also discontinued in 2014. However, it was brought back in 2015 following complaints from fans.
Interestingly, the brandy-based No. 3 Cup was also reintroduced with a new name: Pimm’s No. 3 Winter Cup.
Pimm’s also has two special editions, Pimm’s Blackberry & Elderflower, which is made with vodka, and Pimm’s Strawberry with a Hint of Mint, which is made with gin.
What is Pimm’s made out of?
The Pimm’s recipe is kept a secret, but we do know that their No. 1 Cup is made out of gin, caramelised orange and a carefully selected range of herbal botanicals and spices.
Can you get drunk on Pimm’s?
Pimm’s has an ABV of 25%. While this isn’t as strong as your average gin (which is usually 37.5% ABV and up), it can definitely get you drunk, so please drink responsibly!
Give it a go in this stunning recipe…
How to make Pimm's:
The perfect Pimm’s and lemonade is all about finding the ideal ratio of Pimm’s to lemonade. For us, it has to be one part Pimm’s to three parts fizzy lemonade. That way, the unique fruit flavours of the summer liqueur can really shine through, complemented rather than overpowered by the lemonade.
But what fruit with Pimm’s? The classic Pimm’s recipe is made with three fruity garnishes: slices of orange, slices of cucumber and slices of strawberry. Finished with sprigs of mint, it’s a gorgeous summer serve.
Pssst, this recipe also works great with ginger ale. Just swap it in for the lemonade!
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 250ml Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
- 750ml premium lemonade (available here)
- Sliced fresh orange, cucumber and strawberry, and fresh mint sprigs, to garnish
Method:
Add the Pimm's No. 1 Cup to a jug with lots of ice. Top with lemonade, add the fruit and stir. Pour out a glass, garnish with more fresh fruit and mint and enjoy!
Pimm’s price?
You can buy a 70cl bottle of Pimm’s for between £10 and £16.50 at most major supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Tesco.
