Pimm’s and Pimm’s Based Cocktails
Posted on November 30, 2005 by Andrew Barrow in Articles
There have been six different `cups` produced over the years. Now only the No.1 cup seems to be in wide distribution with No.6 sometimes seen. Each cup is based on a different base spirit -
Pimm`s Cup Base Spirit
- No.1 Gin
- No.2 Whiskey
- No.3 Brandy
- No.4 Rum
- No.5 Rye
- No.6 Vodka
- Winter Warmer also gin based
The Winter Warmer was released in 2004 to expand Pimm’s beyond its seasonal (ie Spring/Summer) base. Pimms Winter Warmer is a rebranding of the old No.3 cup and retains brandy as its base.
Throwing in every type of fruit available does not a good cocktail make. A simple Pimm`s and Soda water is just as refreshing. More complicated cocktails are detailed below. Where mint is listed try bashing the leaves first to release more flavour. All should be made over plenty of ice. Optionally you could add frozen cubes of orange juice as well. If you can find fresh borage use some of its smaller leaves instead of the cucumber. Over the last couple of years we have accumulated the following distinctive cocktail recipes. Experiment and enjoy.
 Pimms and Ginger 1 measure of Pimm`s 3 measures of Ginger Beer 1 slice of lemon 1 slice of Cucumber 1 slice of Apple Fresh Mint |
Pimms Original 2 measures of Pimm`s 2 measure of Ginger Beer 2 measures of Lemonade 1 slice of Cucumber 1 slice of Lemon 1 slice of Orange 1 slice of strawberry Fresh Mint |
Southern Pimms Punch 1 bottle of Pimm`s 1 bottle of Bourbon 1/4 bottle of sweet Vermouth 1/4 bottle of white Rum 300mls of Orange Juice 1 bottle of Champagne or Sparkling wine Fresh fruit – strawberries, pineapple, cherries, peaches [makes a huge amount!] |
Pimms Spritz 1 measure of Pimm`s 1 measure of Gin 3 measures of lemonade 1 slice of Lemon 1 Strawberry |
Pimms Royale 1 measure of Pimm`s 1 slice of Orange 1 slice of Lemon 1 slice of Lime 1 slice of Apple Fresh Mint Top up glass with Champagne |
Pimms and Champagne 1 measure of Pimm`s 3 measures Champagne |
Henley Skullfarquar 1 bottle Smirnoff Ice ½ pint of Strongbow Cider 50 ml Pimm`s 35 ml Gordons Gin 35 ml Grenadine 50-100ml Soda Water (optional) 50-100ml Lemonade (optional) Selection of fruit – Orange/Lemon slices Combine in a large jug and enjoy with plenty of ice. Created by Rob Hooton & Adrian Ginzler, with a slightly different word begining with F. |
Bacon and Tomato Sandwich 3/4 measure Pimm`s ½ measure dark rum ½ measure white rum 2 measures lemonade 1/3 measure Glayva 1/3 measure Mandarine Napoleon 1/3 measure Scotch Whisky 4 measures of lemonade |
Melanie Pimm 1½ measure Pimm`s 2/3 measure Scotch whisky 1/3 measure Lemon juice 5 measures lemonade If bourbon is used in place of scotch this is a Bourbon Pimm`s. Pim Pom 2 measures Pimm`s 3 measures Pomegreat Juice A clean and highly refreshing alternative to the classic Pimm’s. Finishes drier and classier than with lemonade. Dont forget the usual fruit and veg additions. |
Scribbles on Photos
sam says:
Post Author 17/04/2005 at 11:37 pmHey Andrew.
I have been planning a Pimms post for when the sun comes out. I feel it is my duty to introduce Pimms to the entire population of America. I already have qute a few of them hooked. But whenever I get round to the part when I try and explain the different cups I always get in a muddle. So thanks for the info. No 1 cup is the only one I see in these parts, but I sure would love to get hold of a No6!
I had a great Pimms champagne cocktail in Oakland the other day. (well actually I had 3 but that is another story). I like to use borage flowers set inside icecubes to decorate my pimms, I am trying to grow some in a pot on my deck, but no flowers yet. Other than that cucmber mint and lemonade would be my first choice.
andrew says:
Post Author 18/04/2005 at 12:45 amHi Sam. I live in the World Capital of Pimm’s (well at least during the Henley Regatta) so it seemed only right I posted about it.
The details are actually copied from an old Scribblings newsletter page (long since gone but still showing up on Google). This generates a huge amount of interest during the spring and summer – mostly from your side of the pond.
You really should try the Henley Skull cocktail (the correct name, is toned down for the post but I am sure you can work it out) is incredibly good – you really should try it. I rather like the Sandwich too; but then I am rather partial to rum!
Incidently they relased a winter Pimm’s last year but I neglected to try it. If they repeat the experiment next autumn I will endevour to remember to send you a bottle.
hb herr says:
Post Author 18/04/2005 at 11:05 amDrinking PIMMS for over 30 years – an old flame introduced me to its pleasures – an amazing way to get the attention of the wait-staff in any restaurant -
Back in late ’70s – came across two original PIMMS Cups – handing on the wall of an old restaurant/inn in western New Jersey – asked politely if I could purchase them – asked again – asked the friend who brought me to the Inn to asked the owner if I could buy the PIMMS Cups – hanging on the wall – gathering dust – tried again – the restaurant owner’s solution ??? – rather than sell them – he took them off the wall – never to be seen again – bummer !!!
by the by – try PIMMS with Ice Tea – awesome -
Nigel Roberts says:
Post Author 05/05/2005 at 5:54 pmThis winter Waitrose carried Pimms No.3 ‘Winter’. This was unfortunately quite a dissapointment. On balance it is likely that Gin and Vodka are the best carriers for a fruit cup.
Jane MacQuitty came up with an excellent ‘cheat’ Pimms. Try 1 x shot Gin + 1 x shot Red Vermouth + 1/2 x shot of Curaco (I like Triple Sec). Add greenery and choice of fruits – leave for flavours to mingle whilst chilling. Then add lemonade / ginger ale to suit taste. Sit and watch sun sink!
Rob Skullfarquar says:
Post Author 15/05/2005 at 11:54 pmI have also heard about a Pimms “cheat” that involves Port, Martini Rosso, Gin, and medium dry Sherry….. I’ve not tried it, but based on my limited experience with mixing alcoholic flavours it sounds like it should be close. Although I do agree with the comment by Nigel that a bit of Triple Sec would add to the mix.
Thomas says:
Post Author 23/04/2007 at 1:37 pmI am a keen Pimm’s fanatic and interested in the fruitful history enshrining this wonderful drink. Is there anyone out there that can give me the recipe for the forgotten Pimm’s No 2? I would be most thankful.
Thomas
Gary says:
Post Author 22/07/2007 at 3:29 amI have been on a search for some glassware to highlight my Pimm’s fetish. I am working on establishing an outpost in Northern California. I saw a picture of some some large glasses with the logo from the bottle on it. The pic was a stock photo form the Wall street Journal and they have no idea where to get the glasses. Ebay comes up short as do all my usual stores. Any thoughts from here or across the pond?
Gary
Andrew says:
Post Author 22/07/2007 at 9:19 amHi Gary – in the UK the branded Pimms merchandise (glasses, jugs etc) are generally included in gift packs or given away free at point of purchase.
I’ve checked a couple of sites but no one seems to offer the swag for direct sale. Sorry about that.
Tony Wells says:
Post Author 23/06/2008 at 8:37 pmjust had the no 1 with lemonade, apple, cucumber, strawberry and mint – topped off with a ton of ice. I’m now ready for bed – thirst saited but ready to be rude…if you know what I mean!
ryan says:
Post Author 18/07/2008 at 10:45 pmwow, just found this, and now I have Pimms on my list for tomorrow run to the store! Thanks for this
Jeff says:
Post Author 24/07/2008 at 8:01 pmI have loved Pimm’s for years, and wanted to try cups 2-6, but even on my travels to the UK have never been able to find them.
I recently made a batch of cucumber infused vodka which I now combine with my Pimm’s and lemonade or tonic, or…
Sometimes a little extra kick is needed to help you forget the work day.
Janine says:
Post Author 06/08/2008 at 5:08 pmThe Pimms glassware is available from most breweries. Try Scottish and Newcastle. Most pubs get them free with purchases.
Janine says:
Post Author 06/08/2008 at 5:09 pmRyan – they only make 1 and 6 now.
Lee says:
Post Author 10/08/2008 at 7:18 pmAll the recipes on http://www.spittoon.biz/pimms_and_pimms_based_cocktail.html refer to “Pimms.” Are we to assume they are all recipes for Pimms No. 1?
Andrew says:
Post Author 10/08/2008 at 7:34 pmHi Lee,
There are only subtle differences between the two available cups; either would work with the cocktails as listed. Only the winter version is radically different.
Moira O'Mahony says:
Post Author 03/10/2008 at 6:54 amOne shot of Cointreau, two shots of Pimms. Cool with champagne in refrigerator. Slice lemon, orange, cucumber and a few sprigs of mint. Align tall glasses with a little ice in each, pop in vegetation, mix champagne into Pimms mix and pour into glasses. Deeeeelicious!
Michael says:
Post Author 26/05/2009 at 10:44 amPimms seems to trigger nostalgia in people – so many Pimms drinkers I’ve talked to associate it with a summer spent somewhere, a burgeoning romance, special friends. It takes me right back to undergrad days in Oxford and June punting.
For people coming new to Pimms, help revive the old traditions and insist on your Pimms being made to occupy a ONE PINT TANKARD and not a mimsy tumbler. Fresh fruit needs room to swim – cobblers are cruel to cucumbers!
Philip Barber says:
Post Author 28/05/2009 at 6:11 pmSome years back someone spilled the beans on the Pimms No 1 recipe. It is one part full strength gin (40% alcohol+ – stronger and drier the better in my view), one part red martini, half a part Bols Orange Curacao (if you can find it). That produces the original drier (and stronger)drink, before Messrs Pimms reduced the strength and added more caramel to improve their profit margins (but not sadly the drink)!
Also you do NOT add Ginger BEER to Pimms to produce a Classic Pimms, but Ginger ALE, a completely different mixer. Best to use Schweppes Dry ginger (not that filthy sweet American stuff/Canada Dry (which isn’t)). American ginger ale is really only suitable for the Ladies with a very sweet tooth! All that needs to be added apart from ice is a slice of lemon (there’s enough orange in the curacao, a slice or two of cucumber (vital ingredient) and a sprig of mint). Some like a sprig of borage for decoration. You are then all set to enjoy an afternoon at Henley, Cricket at Lords or Smiths Lawn for the polo with the finest of English summer drinks!
Fergal Mc Grath says:
Post Author 29/05/2009 at 12:14 pmHi, can anyone please tell me the name of the person wh created these Pimms cocktails? Thanks.
liese says:
Post Author 19/07/2009 at 6:36 amI’ve just had my first Pimms Cup today from some new friends just moved to the USA from the UK.
I loved it!
Now for the recipes here when it refers to Lemonade is this Lemonade as we americans know it (sugar water and lemon juice)? Or is this like lemon-lime soda?
wine_scribbler says:
Post Author 19/07/2009 at 11:33 amYou will need the carbonated stuff Liese; it has to be fizzy!
carole howell says:
Post Author 27/12/2009 at 6:31 pmI went to visit relatives in England. We had several lovely “winter drinks”, I loved it. Bought me some on way home to states. The two bottles I bought home have lasted me 4yrs. Anyway, Now I need to know where I can purchase more in the US. have Pimm’s No 3 Winter, can anyone give me a store name in Illinois that offers this?