Pimm’s No. 1

Pimm's No 1 liqueurForever associated with summer, Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is one of the most quintessential English drinks. Pimm’s No. 1 was created by James Pimm owner of an oyster bar in the city of London in the 1820s. It was the custom of these places, fast food joints of their days, to serve their customers either pints of stout or the same amount of ‘the house cup’ with their oysters. Pimm’s cup, which was based on the newly acceptable gin along with a secret collection of fruit extracts, liqueurs and bitter herbs, soon became very popular. He did such a roaring trade with his fruit cup that Pimm began to market it ready-mixed in 1859. The flavourings of Pimm’s are highly secret, of course, but it contains fruit extracts notably orange. By the end of the century Pimm’s was being exported to officers and gentlemen throughout the British Empire during colonial times. In the early years of the 20th century, Pimm’s was made in 6 different styles, each based on a different spirit. No. 1 was gin; No. 2 was whisky; No. 3 was brandy; No. 4 was rum; No. 5 was rye; No. 6 was vodka. These days the market has since whittled down to just two styles, Pimm’s Vodka and the original Pimm’s No. 1.

How to serve – A generous measure of Pimm’s No. 1 should be poured over ice in a tall glass. Then it is topped up with lemonade or soda water, and garnished with slices of orange. There really is nothing better for a hot day on the back deck. Pimm’s Cup  drink recipe.

Santé!