Introduction
When you think of a quintessential British summer, a few images might come to mind: picnics in the park, tennis matches at Wimbledon, and of course, a refreshing glass of Pimm’s. But what exactly is Pimm’s? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the rich history of Pimm’s, its ingredients, and provide you with some delightful Pimm’s cocktail recipes to enjoy. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this iconic drink, by the end of this article, you’ll be a Pimm’s aficionado.
What is Pimm’s?
Pimm’s is a gin-based fruit cup, traditionally served with a variety of fresh fruits and a sprig of mint, making it a refreshing and versatile drink perfect for summer gatherings. The most popular variant, Pimm’s No. 1, is a staple at British events and has a long-standing association with the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
The History of Pimm’s
The story of Pimm’s begins in 1823, when James Pimm, a London oyster bar owner, created the original Pimm’s recipe as a digestive tonic. He served it in small tankards known as “No. 1 Cups” which is where the name Pimm’s No. 1 comes from. Over time, Pimm’s gained popularity and expanded beyond the oyster bar, becoming a beloved British beverage.
What is Pimm’s Made Of?
The main ingredient in Pimm’s is gin, infused with a secret blend of herbs, spices, and fruit extracts. This unique combination gives Pimm’s its distinctive flavor. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we do know that the original Pimm’s No. 1 is a gin-based liqueur with a rich, citrusy, and slightly spicy taste.
Pimm’s Variants
Although Pimm’s No. 1 is the most well-known, there are other variants worth mentioning:
- Pimm’s No. 2: Made with Scotch whisky.
- Pimm’s No. 3: Brandy-based, often referred to as Winter Cup.
- Pimm’s No. 4: Made with rum.
- Pimm’s No. 5: Rye whisky-based.
- Pimm’s No. 6: Vodka-based.
Each variant brings its own unique twist to the classic Pimm’s flavor profile.
How to Serve Pimm’s
One of the reasons Pimm’s has remained so popular is its versatility. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, but the classic Pimm’s Cup is the most iconic. Here’s how to make it:
Classic Pimm’s Cup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pimm’s No. 1
- 150ml lemonade (or ginger ale for a spicier kick)
- Fresh mint leaves
- Slices of cucumber, orange, strawberry, and lemon
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Add the Pimm’s No. 1.
- Top up with lemonade or ginger ale.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and slices of cucumber, orange, strawberry, and lemon.
- Stir gently and enjoy!
This classic recipe can be adapted to suit your taste. Some people prefer to use sparkling water instead of lemonade for a less sweet option, or you can add more fruits to enhance the flavor.
Pimm’s and Wimbledon
Pimm’s and Wimbledon are almost synonymous. The drink has been served at the Wimbledon tennis tournament since 1971, making it an integral part of the event’s tradition. On a typical tournament day, thousands of glasses of Pimm’s are enjoyed by spectators, adding to the festive and quintessentially British atmosphere.
Pimm’s Cocktails
While the Pimm’s Cup is the most well-known way to enjoy Pimm’s, there are several other delicious Pimm’s cocktails worth trying. Here are a few favorites:
Pimm’s Royal
Ingredients:
- 25ml Pimm’s No. 1
- 75ml champagne or sparkling wine
- Fresh raspberries
Instructions:
- Pour the Pimm’s No. 1 into a champagne flute.
- Top up with champagne or sparkling wine.
- Add a few fresh raspberries for garnish.
Pimm’s Spritz
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pimm’s No. 1
- 75ml sparkling water
- 75ml prosecco
- Fresh mint leaves
- Slices of orange and cucumber
Instructions:
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Add the Pimm’s No. 1.
- Top up with sparkling water and prosecco.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and slices of orange and cucumber.
- Stir gently and enjoy!
Winter Pimm’s (Pimm’s No. 3)
Ingredients:
- 50ml Pimm’s No. 3 (Winter Cup)
- 150ml warm apple juice
- Cinnamon stick
- Slices of apple and orange
Instructions:
- Warm the apple juice in a saucepan (do not boil).
- Add the Pimm’s No. 3 to a heatproof glass or mug.
- Pour in the warm apple juice.
- Garnish with a cinnamon stick and slices of apple and orange.
- Stir gently and enjoy this cozy winter drink!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Pimm’s? Pimm’s is a gin-based liqueur made with a blend of herbs, spices, and fruit extracts. It is most commonly enjoyed as a refreshing summer drink.
2. What is Pimm’s No. 1? Pimm’s No. 1 is the original and most popular variant of Pimm’s, made with gin. It has a citrusy and slightly spicy flavor.
3. What are the ingredients in Pimm’s? The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but Pimm’s is known to contain gin, herbs, spices, and fruit extracts.
4. How do you make a Pimm’s Cup? To make a classic Pimm’s Cup, mix 50ml of Pimm’s No. 1 with 150ml of lemonade, and garnish with fresh mint, cucumber, orange, strawberry, and lemon.
5. What is the alcohol content of Pimm’s? Pimm’s No. 1 has an alcohol content of 25% ABV (alcohol by volume).
6. Can Pimm’s be enjoyed in winter? Yes, Pimm’s No. 3 (Winter Cup) is specifically designed for winter, and it can be enjoyed warm with apple juice and spices.
7. What is the connection between Pimm’s and Wimbledon? Pimm’s has been served at the Wimbledon tennis tournament since 1971, making it a traditional part of the event’s festivities.
8. Can Pimm’s be mixed with other spirits? While Pimm’s is typically enjoyed with lemonade or ginger ale, it can also be mixed with champagne, prosecco, or even used as a base for various cocktails.
Conclusion
Pimm’s is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of British summer and tradition. From its humble beginnings in a London oyster bar to becoming a staple at Wimbledon, Pimm’s has a rich history and a unique flavor that continues to delight. Whether you enjoy it in a classic Pimm’s Cup or experiment with different Pimm’s cocktails, there’s no denying the refreshing appeal of this iconic beverage. So, the next time the sun is shining, why not mix up a Pimm’s and raise a glass to summer? Cheers!
