Pimms Original Cocktail

by Andrew Barrow, Posted Apr 13th 2006 @ 5:15PM

To be honest it is far too cold in the UK for any type of garden party. Spring might be here in the form of daffodils and other spring flowers but the weather is not yet conducive for sitting outside. Not today anyway. Still the one thing, drink-wise, that sums up warmer days is Pimms. Quintessentially English - days of tennis, cricket, river regattas and lazy days sitting in fields or parks.

Created by James Pimm in his 1820`s Oyster Bar. Pimm began to market it ready-mixed in 1859, such was its popularity. It was taken as a digestive tonic, due to the high level of quinine and the mash of herbs involved in its production. Fashionable society began to drink Pimm`s as a cocktail during the later part of the 19th century, partially for the alcoholic lift and partially because it was weak enough to be drunk all afternoon.

There are innumerable cocktail recipes using Pimms; some place great play on shoving as much fruit in the cup as possible others are more understated. This is my classic version

Pimms Original

2 measures of Pimm`s

2 measure of Ginger Ale

2 measures of Lemonade

1 slice of Cucumber

1 slice of Lemon

1 slice of Orange

1 slice of strawberry

Fresh Mint

2 measures of Pimm`s

Mix and drink.

Filed Under: Garden Party, Drink Recipes
Tags: british isles, cocktail recipes, CocktailRecipes, cocktails, food and drink, FoodAndDrink, garden party, pimms, pimms cocktails, pimms original, PimmsCocktails, PimmsOriginal, spring cocktails, SpringCocktails, summer cocktails, SummerCocktails

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Reader comments (Page 1 of 1)

4-13-2006 @6:22PM Pille said... I'm a secret fan of Pimms, even introduced my relatives back home to the joys of this particular drink last summer:) I guess I've made pretty much a similar version, but it's nice to have Andrew's definite Pimms cocktail recipe as well!
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4-13-2006 @7:34PM dave said... Skip the Pimms Cup No.1, it's expensive and they've been reducing the alcohol content steadily over the years. I've been using this recipe, adapted from those of several brits i know.

1 part sweet red vermouth, i use Stock.
1 part dry gin, i use Seagrams.

Let a handful of bruised mint steep in the above concoction for an hour or so.

Fill a pint glass with ice. Add 3-4 ounces of the "Pims" mix (mint included), sliced strawberries, and peeled, sliced cucumbers. Top off with 7up.

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4-13-2006 @7:44PM Andrew said... If you are going to make your own Pimms you need a little more than just gin and red vermouth... I shall post about it shortly...
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6-02-2006 @9:16AM Clare said... I've just moved to NYC from England and I don't think I'll last the summer without Pimms. Does anyone know where to buy it in the city? I've looked but without success. Please help a desperate Brit!!
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6-21-2006 @1:37PM Dickon said... Following Clare's request, does anyone know where an Englishman such as myself can find some Pimms in NYC? It is essential to have Pimms.
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