In Food

World’s Greatest Pimm’s Cup

Pimm's Cup

Pimm's LiqueurThis weekend was the Summer Solstice, marking the first day of summer.  I always like to have friends over as it is (1) the anniversary of when we moved into this house and (2) how could you not want to celebrate summer!  And I think a wonderful way to welcome summer via cocktail is a Pimm’s Cup.  A Pimm’s what, you say?  Yes, I thought so, too.  I was introduced to this delicious summery drink by my English friend, Sarah.  The cocktail includes a liqueur popular in England but not as much in the U.S.  That’s because I didn’t know about it until a few years ago.  Now everyone will know about it, right?!

Pimm’s is a gin-based drink containing a “secret mixture of herbs and liqueurs”, first created by James Pimm in 1823.  Pimm served it in a small mug known as a “No. 1 Cup”, hence the full name – Pimm’s No. 1 Cup.  Pimm’s makes other brands based on other spirits – No. 2 Cup is Scotch whiskey, No. 3 Cup was brandy, etc.  But Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is what we want to use for our fun-time summertime drink.  It is dark in color, looks a little like tea, and tastes like a combo of citrus and spices.

Now I’ve had a so-called Pimm’s Cup in a few establishments and it just cannot compare to Sarah’s recipe.  That’s why it’s best made at home.  You can make a single drink or a pitcher for a party.  Either way it will be delicious and I guarantee the World’s Greatest Pimm’s Cup! 

First we need our accoutrements (fancy French word I like to use for “stuff we want to put in this drink”).  I’m sure you could try different fruits and herbs, but she introduced it this way, so I like it this way – with strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, and fresh mint. 

Pimm's Cup Ingredients

Next we need the mixing liquid to add to the Pimm’s.  Sarah uses Sprite or 7-Up (or any carbonated lemon-lime beverage, really – p.s. I tried this with Squirt and it was also delicious).  FYI, the English call lemon-lime soda “lemonade” so don’t be confused if you order it there.  In the U.S. we have our own variation of lemonade – it’s usually water, lemons, sugar (no carbonation) which I don’t think would taste as good.  Also, some don’t like the sweetness that lemon-lime soda provides and opt to use tonic or club soda.  I likah the sweet.  I have not tried a “Pimm’s Royal Cup”, which I believe is a variation using champagne (oohlala!).

Pimm's Cup

Now we are ready to mix.  Cutup the fixin’s (ok now I’m from the South!) and add to the glass of choice, which I think should be a nice-sized stemmed or stemless goblet.  Muddle the fruit a little with a spoon and add some ice.  Pour in 1/3 Pimm’s to 2/3 7-Up.  Stir a little and serve!  

Et voila or Cheerio Cheers, I guess I should say to be a little more English?!  (p.s. I don’t think they really say that, it just sounds fun with the accent).  Ooh, and you know what’s really fun is to serve this on July 4 in America.  Boldly declare your independence from the crown but your dependence on their liqueur.  Viva la Brittania!  Ok, I’ll stop mixing French and English now.  🙂  Enjoy!

Pimm's Cup

 

Previous Post Next Post

6 Comments

  • Mary-Ann Schreiner

    This sounds très délicieux! Or…blimey, jolly good drink luv! (One must change accents for each comment.) I always think I want a Pimm’s because it looks so yummy, but never quite enjoyed it when ordered abroad (not in England). I will try this recipe as I think it will be a perfect, refreshing drink for the tropics. Thanks for sharing!

    June 23, 2014 at 11:08 pm Reply
    • Hope

      You’re welcome! I have ordered a Pimm’s and it rarely has the combo of fruit I use, which I think is the key! Hope you enjoy. 🙂

      June 25, 2014 at 11:50 pm Reply
  • Kelly Glover

    Pimm’s Cup, which I’ve never had, might be my first drink after baby!
    Love this article!
    Cheers!

    June 23, 2014 at 11:17 pm Reply
    • Hope

      Thank you! I highly recommend it, and baby will be glad momma is treating herself with a Pimm’s. 🙂

      June 25, 2014 at 11:51 pm Reply
  • Summertime Drink Popup Bar | p.s. bonjour

    […] types of similar drinks.  In the summertime, I tend to gravitate towards summery drinks, like a Pimm’s Cup, Moscow (or Bourbon) Mule, Dark and Stormy, or Mojito!  Hmm, I see a theme – these all have […]

    September 4, 2014 at 12:42 am Reply
  • You Say Moscow, I Say Kentucky Mule | p.s. bonjour

    […] my Summertime Popup Bar – this one will take you right into fall, no problems. Of course, a Pimm’s Cup or French Mojito is still very refreshing! Today we’re talking “mules”; and […]

    September 4, 2014 at 12:51 am Reply
  • Leave a Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.