Pimm's cup is a very English drink. It is one of two traditional drinks at Wimbledon and many other high profile British events, the other being champagne. Its base is Pimm's No. 1, a liqueur invented by one James Pimm in 1823 London. The cocktail could hardly be simpler: 1.5 oz of the liqueur over ice, top off with lemon-lime soda or, the preference at our house, ginger ale. Garnish with lemon. There are more complicated recipes in bar books, usually including additional garnishing with cucumber and mint, but the basic formula on the back of the bottle suits us just fine. The liqueur itself brings a spicy, fruity flavor to the party - evokes cinnamon for me.
American Bar by Charles Schumann includes three Pimm's recipes. They list our drink, with ginger ale, as Pimm's Rangoon. Pimm's No. 1 is mixed with lemon-lime soda, Pimm's Royal with champagne. My wife just bought a new bottle of the liqueur so we may well have the chance to try all three.
I love Pimms No. 6 Vodka Cup which was discontinued but due to public demand had been brought back - although it is quite expensive!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know about the other Pimm's varieties until I researched for this post. Now I am curious. Several have been discontinued, unfortunately.
DeleteNo cucumber!
ReplyDeleteIt's not bad, actually, just more trouble than necessary.
DeleteCucumber is essential.
ReplyDeleteI was admittedly lazy about the garnishes this time - would have made for a nicer photo.
DeletePretty cool. Have to see if the hubs wants to try it out.
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice summery drink.
DeleteJust based on the description, it sounds like a kind of husky iced-tea.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it is a bit tea-like.
DeleteSounds yummy!
ReplyDeleteIt's most enjoyable.
DeletePimm's Cup sounds intriguing! I've never heard of it before.
ReplyDeleteI'll happily make one for you sometime, my dear!
DeleteBy the way, have you heard of Lemon, Lime & Bitters?
ReplyDeleteI have not but just looked it up and it sounds good - only minimally alcoholic, too.
DeleteI really like the taste of it. And it's easy to add a splash of vodka, if one so chooses!
DeleteSounds great. Maybe we need a cocktail experimentation gathering sometime. We can all bring sleeping bags.
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