A Brief History Of The Pimm's Cup
A traditional British cocktail, the Pimm's Cup is celebrated for its herbaceous and vibrant flavor. The most popular mixer for a Pimm's Cup is lemonade. It adds a citrusy and sweet note to balance the herbal notes in Pimm's. Sprite or ginger ale are a couple of the variations that could add fizz to the mixture.
Origin Of Pimm’s Cup
A traditional British cocktail from the 19th century is the Pimm's Cup. The origin of Pimm's Cup can be traced back to James Pimm, who in the 1840s ran an oyster bar in London. Established in 1823, Pimm's first restaurant gained popularity for its seafood selection and house speciality, a gin-based concoction called the 'No. 1 Cup'.
The original Pimm's No. 1 Cup was a gin-based drink with a blend of herbs, fruits, and spices that was kept a secret. It gained popularity fast after being introduced as a digestive aid. Pimm began offering Pimm's No. 1 Cup in bottles so that consumers could easily enjoy the drink at home.
History Of The Pimm’s Cup
With Pimm's No. 1 Cup becoming more and more well-known, Pimm grew his company and established Pimm's Oyster Houses around London. Every restaurant served a different take on the Pimm's Cup, and the beverage eventually became a symbol of British summertime hospitality.
Additional varieties, like Pimm's No. 2 Cup (based on Scotch whisky) and Pimm's No. 3 Cup (based on brandy), were introduced by the Pimm's brand over time. Still, Pimm's No. 1 Cup was the most widely used and reliable option.
A classic Pimm's Cup recipe calls for lemonade, mint, strawberries, oranges, and cucumbers, along with Pimm's No. 1. It's typically served in a tall glass with ice, making it a flavorful and invigorating summer beverage.
Pimm's Cup became well-known throughout the world and a representation of British summer customs. It is particularly linked to occasions such as the Henley Royal Regatta and the Wimbledon tennis championships.
Pimm's Cup is still a popular and well-known cocktail today, enjoyed not just in the UK but all over the world. Although the original Pimm's No. 1 Cup is still a popular option, the company has increased the variety of products it offers in order to satisfy a wide range of palates.
Varieties of Pimm’s Cup
- No. 1 Pimm's Cup (Gin): Pimm's No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, is the original and most popular variety. It's a main component of the traditional Pimm's Cup cocktail.
- No. 2 Pimm’s Cup (whisky): First released as a gin-based substitute for the original Pimm's No. 2 Cup, this drink is made with Scotch whisky.
- No. 3 Pimm’s Cup (Brandy): Brandy is the basis for this version, Pimm's No. 3 Cup (Brandy). Compared to the No. 1 Cup, which is based on gin, it offers a different flavour profile.
- No. 4 Pimm’s Cup (Rum): The No. 4 Cup (Rum) Pimm's is a rum-based version that gives the lineup a tropical twist.
- No. 5 Pimm’s Cup (whisky): Rye whisky serves as the basis for Pimm's No. 5 Cup, which has a stronger, spicier flavour.
- No. 6 Pimm's Cup (Vodka): No. 6, a vodka-based concoction, is the newest in the Pimm's lineup.
How To Make Pimm’s Cup
Ingredients:
60 ml of Pimm's No. 1
120 ml of lemonade
Cubes of ice
Slices of cucumber
Mint leaves
Slice of orange
Strawberries, if desired
Optional: Sprite or ginger ale for added fizz
Method:
Take out a tall glass and add ice cubes.
Over the ice, pour two ounces of Pimm's No. 1.
To the glass, add 4 ounces of lemonade. You can either make your own lemonade with simple syrup and fresh lemon juice or use store-bought lemonade.
For added fizz, feel free to add a splash of Sprite or ginger ale. Although optional, this gives the beverage a pleasant fizz.
To combine the ingredients, give them a gentle stir.
If desired, garnish the beverage with cucumber, mint, orange, and strawberry slices. These garnishes improve the cocktail's aesthetic appeal in addition to adding flavour.
Stir the drink one last time to fully incorporate the garnishes.
