Courtesy of Diageo
Like the mint julep and the Kentucky Derby, Pimm’s and Wimbledon go hand-in hand. The tipple is a mixture of Pimm’s No. 1 Cup liqueur and lemonade, garnished with strawberries, mint and cucumber.
Pimm’s is a mahogany -colored, gin-based spirit made from liqueur, fruit and spices. Like Coca-cola, its exact formula is a closely guarded secret. According to Pimm’s website, (www.anyoneforpimms.com) the spirit dates back to 1823 to James Pimm and his famous central London Oyster Bar, where patrons swallowed oysters with the ‘house cup’ – a gin-based beverage containing quinine and a classified blend of spices. It was served in vessels and known as No. 1 Cups.
The popularity of the drink grew until it was known all across England. By 1851, the Pimm’s line expanded to No.2 (Scotch) and No. 3 (brandy) cups. The collection eventually grew to six, including No. 4 (rum) No. 5 (rye whiskey) and No. 6. (vodka). These later versions did not have the staying power of the original, but a brandy version, infused with spices and orange peel, is still marketed as Pimm’s Winter Cup.
Pimm’s gained a reputation as an aristocratic drink of the privileged. The first Pimm’s bar opened at the 1971 Wimbledon tournament, and today over 80,000 pints of Pimm’s and lemonade are sold to spectators each year.
Pimm’s comes close to summer drink perfection; its citrusy herbal flavor tastes fresh and invigorating on a hot afternoon. At only 25 percent alcohol, it can be enjoyed early in the day without knocking you out by dinner.
I first sampled Pimm’s at the home of one of my colleagues from the Associated Press, Bob Meyers. His wife Mary Jane Stevens, a native Brit, served me one during a pool party. For a person who doesn’t enjoy overly-sweet drinks, Pimm’s was a delightful and refreshing discovery.
“My parents had a pub and my mother would make Pimm’s for customers during the summer season,” Mary Jane said. “She made it with Pimm’s and lemonade” (the equivalent of 7-Up or Sprite in the US).
As Mary Jane pointed out, the lemonade used in the traditional British potable is different than the U.S. version. The British mixer is clear and bubbly, similar to a soft drink. Many substitute ginger ale, or lemon juice and soda.
Originally Pimm’s was garnished with a blue-flowered herb called borage. Nowadays, it’s usually dressed with a sprig of mint or cucumber. At Wimbledon, where strawberries and cream are the food of choice, the red berry accessory is a must. Other popular garnishes include apples, oranges, lemons or cherries.
With such a long history, some consider Pimm’s a drink for the older generation. After being served last year at William and Kate’s royal wedding, Pimm’s is making a comeback among the younger audiences in British pubs.
Whether you spend your July watching tennis or mingling at a holiday cookout, try a Pimm’s cocktail for a crisp and unique refresher!
Classic Pimm’s Cocktail
Take a jug or long drink glass and fill it with ice.
Mix 1 part Pimm’s with 3 parts chilled lemonade.
Garnish with mint, cucumber, strawberry, or fruit. Sprite, 7-Up or ginger ale may be substituted for lemonade.
