Pimm’s is both a brand of British spirits and a low-alcohol summer punch (the so-called “fruit bowl”) made on its basis, also including soda (lemonade), ginger ale, fruit juice, pieces of fruit, cucumbers, etc. The drink was invented by James Pimm in 1823, in 1997 the brand was bought by Diageo. The line includes several flavors, but the most popular is Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, based on gin with the addition of strawberry, blackberry or elderberry.
In a broad sense, Pimms is an alcoholic drink based on strong alcohol with the addition of spices, fragrances, herbs. All Pimms products are intended exclusively for the manufacture of low-alcohol refreshing cocktails, they are never drunk in their pure form.
Types
- Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is the company’s most popular product, based on gin, 25% ABV.
- Pimm’s No. 2 Cup – Based on Scotch whiskey, currently out of production.
- Pimm’s №3 Cup – based on brandy. Currently out of production, but a seasonal version with spices and Pimm’s Winter Cup orange peel is available.
- Pimm’s No. 4 Cup – based on rum, currently out of production.
- Pimm’s No. 5 Cup – based on rye whiskey, currently out of production.
- Pimm’s №6 Cup – based on vodka, produced in limited quantities.
- Pimm’s No. 7 Cup – based on tequila, goes on sale in limited quantities.
- Pimm’s No. 8 Cup – based on absinthe, due to its specific taste, it is more interesting for collectors.
History
James Pimm owned an oyster bar in central London and knew that pure gin did not go well with oysters, so he served an alcoholic drink of his own invention based on gin with the addition of juices and spices to the main course, which improved digestion. So there was a formula No. 1 Cup.
In 1851, the restaurateur expanded the line of drinks, adding No. 2 Cup and No. 3 Cup based on whiskey and brandy, respectively. At the same time, following the needs of the market, Pimm shifted his main focus from oysters to alcohol and began to sell Pimms drink separately. In 1865, James sold the business, along with the right to use his name, to Frederick Sawyer, in 1880 the future Lord Mayor of London, Horatio Davies, took over the business, and in 1887 he began selling the rights to open Pimms Oysters under a franchise.
New “bowls” (numbers 4, 5 and 6) appeared already in the 1970th century. In the 1986s, The Distiller’s Company bought the brand, which in turn was acquired by Guinness Corporation in 1997. In XNUMX, after the merger between Guinness and Grand Metropolitan, Pimm’s was taken over by Diageo.
In 2005, the brand’s latest product, Winter Cup, entered the market, which is the number three formula with the addition of spices and orange peel.
How to drink Pimms
Pimms serves as the basis for a refreshing summer cocktail (also called Pimm’s), which includes any soda (often ginger ale), mint, borage, chopped vegetables and fruits (apples, cucumbers, oranges, lemons, strawberries, etc. ).
A cocktail with champagne instead of lemonade is called Pimm’s Royal Cup, and with warmed apple juice – Pimm’s Winter Cup.
Pimms is incredibly popular in England – it is mixed at all major events and family celebrations, served in large punch bowls or jugs, then poured into highball glasses. The proportions are at the discretion of the owners, but the result should be a weak drink with a strength of about 5%.
It is usually served before a feast “for warming up”, as a small cocktail party to pass the time while the hosts set the table. Also, Pimms is often drunk in hot summers or cold winters (a special warming version of the Winter Cup).
Cocktail recipes with Pimms
- Pimm’s Sundowner. 2 parts Pimm’s No. 1, one part freshly squeezed lemon, orange and apple juices, sugar syrup to taste.
- Pimm’s Original. Part Pimm’s #1, 3 parts any lemonade, mint, orange pieces, strawberries to taste. Serve with ice.
- Pimm’s Spice. 5 parts Pimm’s Blackberry & Elderflower (number one bowl variation), part vanilla syrup, mint leaves, cinnamon, ice to taste.
- Pimm’s Ginger. Part Pimm’s #1, 3 parts ginger beer.
In general, there are many variations of Pimms-based cocktails; every British housewife must come up with her own recipe.