Classic Pimm’s Cup Cocktail

First introduced by James Pimm in 1823 this is a gin based drink that became known as the Pimm’s No.1 cup in the bottle that we are most familiar with today. Interestingly, down through the decades different Pimm’s “numbers” have been introduced, such as Pimm’s No.3 cup based on brandy, and yet consequently most have been phased out due to a lack of demand. Other bases for Pimm’s cups have included Scotch whisky, Rum, Rye whisky, and vodka. With a cola like colour, and indeed cola like tasting notes, this drink is a concoction of different liqueurs, herbs and spices. Put simply, Pimm’s No.1 cup is the bottle you will recognise and get in your off-license or supermarket.

Pimm’s No.1 Cup

Quintessentially English and most associated with Wimbledon Tennis season, this is a drink that embraces all the best aspects of summer fruit produce and turns out a cocktail that is easily enjoyed, refreshing, and also one that is effortlessly adaptable to communal consumption. It has a relatively low alcohol content for a liqueur with that of 25%, enabling the perhaps all too easy enjoyment of more than one. In essence, this is an excellent cocktail for a summer soiree, fill up a jug, pour it out, enjoy. Repeat the process. It really is that simple. The only real measurement to take notice of here is one part Pimm’s to 3 parts lemonade. After that please feel free to experiment with and change my generally accurate though non-scientific measurements for the fruit. To aid you in your serving calculation I’m going to give you the ingredients required if serving the full bottle over an evening. Each 70cl (750ml) bottle should yield approximately 14 servings. I’ll also give the recipe for a more civil third of a bottle. Make sure that regardless of which recipe you follow that there is enough fruit and mint to garnish each glass. What are you waiting for, it’s Pimm’s o’clock!

Classic Pimm’s Cup Cocktail

Pimms Cup (14 Servings)

Ingredients

• 1 x 70cl bottle of Pimm’s No. 1
• 2 x 227g (1lb total) packets strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 oranges, sliced thinly, each sliced halved again
• ½ cucumber, sliced in half lengthways, and thinly sliced widthways
• 2 x 25g packets fresh mint
• 2 litres approx. lemonade
• Ice

Wonderful combination of orange, strawberries, and cucumber

Pimms Cup (4-6 Servings)

Ingredients

• 250ml Pimm’s No.1
• 3 slices orange
• 2 large sprigs mint
• Handful of strawberries
• Handful of sliced cucumber
• 2 handfuls of ice
• 750ml lemonade

Method

1. Add all the ingredients to a large jug and stir to combine. Leave to sit for a couple of minutes for the flavours to combine.
2. Add a few strawberries, cucumber slices, half an orange slice, and a sprig of mint to 4 large tumblers. Top up each glass with the Pimm’s from the jug and enjoy.

Refreshing and perfect for warm summer evenings