Pimm's

Pimm's is a brand of fruit cups, but is best known for its Pimm's No. 1 Cup, a gin-based beverage that can be served both on ice or in cocktails. It is a liqueur made using a secret recipe that infuses gin with a delicate combination of herbal botanicals, caramelized orange, and warm spices. Pimm's No. 1 was first produced in 1823 by James Pimm, a farmer's son from Kent who became the owner of an oyster bar in the City of London, near the Bank of England. Pimm offered the tonic (a gin-based drink containing a secret mixture of herbs and liqueurs) as an aid to digestion, serving it in a small tankard known as a "No. 1 Cup", hence its subsequent name.

History

James Pimm originally created Pimm's in the early 19th century for his oyster bar in London, aiming to aid the digestion of his customers. The popularity of the drink led to it being sold to other bars and taverns, and eventually, the production was commercialized. Over time, Pimm's extended its range, introducing other variations based on different spirits, including Pimm's No. 2 Cup based on scotch whisky, Pimm's No. 3 Cup based on brandy, Pimm's No. 4 Cup based on rum, Pimm's No. 5 Cup based on rye whiskey, and Pimm's No. 6 Cup based on vodka. However, as of the latest updates, only Pimm's No. 1 Cup remains widely available, with occasional limited re-releases of the other versions.

Composition and Serving

The exact recipe of Pimm's No. 1 Cup is a closely guarded secret, known only to a very few people. It is a gin-based spirit with a fruity flavor, made from a blend of spirits and orange fruit extracts. The traditional way to serve Pimm's No. 1 Cup is with three parts lemonade to one part Pimm's, though it can also be mixed with ginger ale for a slightly spicier taste. It is commonly garnished with a selection of fruit (such as oranges, apples, lemons) and herbs (such as mint or cucumber).

Cultural Significance

Pimm's has become synonymous with British summer social events, particularly the Wimbledon tennis tournament, where it has been a staple since the late 19th century. It is also popular at other events such as the Chelsea Flower Show, the Henley Royal Regatta, and the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. The drink's association with British summer and leisure has made it a cultural icon in the UK.

Variations

While Pimm's No. 1 Cup is the most popular and widely available, there have been several other versions, each based on a different spirit. These include:

• Pimm's No. 2 Cup (Scotch whisky)
• Pimm's No. 3 Cup (Brandy), also known as Pimm's Winter Cup when mixed with warm apple juice
• Pimm's No. 4 Cup (Rum)
• Pimm's No. 5 Cup (Rye whiskey)
• Pimm's No. 6 Cup (Vodka)

Limited editions and variations continue to be released, offering new ways to enjoy this classic beverage.

See Also

• Cocktails
• Gin
• British cuisine