Pimm's No.1

Availability: Sold in liquor stores worldwide (UK, US, Europe, Australia).
Price: ~ 20– 20– 30 USD per 750ml bottle (affordable for a liqueur).

1. What is Pimm’s No. 1?

Type: A fruit and herb-infused gin-based liqueur (technically a “cup” liqueur, a British category of lower-ABV, spiced drinks).
Alcohol Content: 25% ABV (50 proof)—weaker than most spirits but stronger than wine.
Flavor Profile:
- Sweet & herbal (gentian, quinine, citrus peel, spices)
- Fruity (orange, caramelized notes)
- Slightly bitter (from quinine, like tonic water)
- Subtle gin backbone (juniper is present but mild)

Created in 1823 by James Pimm, a London oyster bar owner, as a “digestive tonic” to help patrons digest oysters.
Originally served in a small tankard called a “No. 1 Cup” (hence the name).
Became a staple of British high society, then a summertime favorite at events like Wimbledon and the Henley Royal Regatta.
Owned today by Diageo (since 1997).

Base Spirit: Neutral grain spirit & gin botanicals.
Infusion: A secret blend of herbs, spices, and fruit extracts (known to include:
Citrus (orange peel, lemon)
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
- Bittering agents (gentian, quinine)
- Caramel (for color & slight sweetness)
- Aging: Briefly rested (not long-aged like whiskey).

(Today, only No. 1 and seasonal No. 3 are widely available.)

While the Pimm’s Cup cocktail (with lemonade & fruit) is the most famous way to serve it, you can also:

The bottle’s color: The dark red-brown hue mimics the original oak tanks Pimm’s was stored in.
Wimbledon Connection: Over 80,000 Pimm’s Cups are served at Wimbledon each year.
Not just for summer: The Winter Cup (No. 3) is served warm with apple juice or mulled.