A jug of ice cold Pimm’s mixed with lemonade and fruit is a classic summer cocktail, invented way back in 1823. It is the classic drink served at the Wimbledon tennis championships and often makes an appearance at wedding receptions.
Pimm’s No. 1 uses gin as its base spirit. Other versions of Pimm’s have been available in the past, but the only one people tend to see these days is “Winter Pimm’s,” a variation on Pimm’s No. 3 based on brandy.
Pimm’s Recipe
A classic Pimm’s consists of the following ingredients and is best served in a jug or large glass. The quantities below are appropriate for a 1-liter jug.
- A number of ice cubes (enough to half fill the jug)
- 150ml Pimm’s No. 1
- 450ml lemonade (Sprite or 7UP work just as well)
- A small handful of chopped fresh strawberries
- A small number of mint leaves
- A desert spoon of chopped cucumber
Directions:
- Place the ice cubes in the jug and place the strawberries, cucumber, and mint on top. Pour the Pimm’s over the top of the fruit and ice. Top up with lemonade and stir well.
- Pimm’s and lemonade quantities can be altered to taste to make a stronger or weaker drink.
Once the refreshing drink has been consumed, the strawberries will have soaked up the drink and are delicious to eat!
Pimm’s Variations
Although combining cucumber, strawberries, and mint is the traditional way to make Pimm’s cocktail, it is possible to make a more citrus-based version by replacing these with chunks of fresh orange and lemon.
Bartenders at some establishments have sometimes been known to add a shot of gin to the mixture above, resulting in a stronger and more alcoholic drink.
“ChamPimm’s” replaces the lemonade in the above recipe with sparkling wine or champagne – this makes for a delicious but somewhat lethal concoction.
Winter Pimm’s
Pimm’s is, without doubt, a drink for sunny days. In recent years Winter Pimm’s has become available, a drink based on brandy with spice and orange flavors.
Winter Pimm’s is delicious with lemonade but best served with warmed apple juice and cloves. It makes a fantastic winter warmer and an alternative to mulled wine.
Whether your preference is a classic Pimm’s No.1 cocktail in the height of summer or a warming Winter Pimm’s in the depths of winter, these tips should help everyone enjoy this classic English drink.
