Pimm’s No. 1
Britain’s classic gin-based fruit cup, built for summer garden parties and lemonade.
About Pimm’s No. 1
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is a gin-based British fruit cup flavoured with herbs, spices and bitter orange, with a gently bittersweet, quinine-like finish. James Pimm, a London oyster bar owner, created a gin-based “house cup” in the 1840s, and it was later bottled and sold commercially.
A numbered range once followed: No. 1 was gin-based, No. 2 Scotch, No. 3 brandy, No. 4 rum, No. 5 rye and No. 6 vodka. Only No. 1 is widely sold today, and the others are rare or discontinued, so check before searching for them.
It is tied to the British summer, from Wimbledon to garden parties. The classic serve is around one part Pimm’s to three parts lemonade over lots of ice, loaded with fruit.
The Classic Recipe
Classic Pimm’s and Lemonade — Serves 1
- 50 ml (1¾ oz) Pimm’s No. 1
- 150 ml (5 oz) chilled lemonade (or ginger ale)
- Plenty of ice
- Strawberries, cucumber slices, orange slices and mint, to garnish
Method
- Fill a tall glass or jug with ice.
- Add the Pimm’s.
- Top with chilled lemonade and stir gently.
- Add the fruit, cucumber and a generous sprig of mint.
Tips for Using Pimm’s No. 1
- Get the ratio right. One part Pimm’s to about three parts lemonade is the classic. Adjust to taste.
- Use fizzy lemonade. In the UK, lemonade means a clear, fizzy soft drink. Keep it chilled.
- Do not skimp on fruit. Strawberries, cucumber, orange and mint are part of the flavour, not just decoration.
- Make it in a jug. Build the jug with the fruit first, then add ice and Pimm’s, and top with lemonade just before serving.
- Mind the strength. Pimm’s is lighter than gin, but a jug adds up quickly.
Popular Variations
Pimm’s Cup
The classic jug-style serve with lemonade and fruit. Entry to follow.
Winter Pimm’s
Warmed with apple juice and spices for cold months.
Pimm’s with ginger ale
A spicier, drier alternative to lemonade.
Pimm’s spritz
Topped with sparkling wine and soda for a lighter, bubbly version.
How to Serve
Glass: A tall highball glass or a large jug with glasses.
Ice: Lots of cubed ice; it keeps the drink cold and the fruit fresh.
Batching for a crowd: Pimm’s is ideal for jugs. Combine Pimm’s and fruit in advance, chill, then add ice and lemonade just before serving so it stays fizzy.
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