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Pimm's No.1
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)
2. History & Origins
- 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).
3. How is Pimm’s Made?
- 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).
4. Other Pimm’s Variants (Past & Present)
- While Pimm’s No.1 (gin-based) is the flagship, there were once six “Cups”:
- No. 2 Cup (Scotch-based) → Discontinued
- No. 3 Cup (Brandy-based) → Now a Winter Cup (spiced, seasonal)
- No. 4 Cup (Rum-based) → Rare
- No. 5 Cup (Rye whiskey-based) → Discontinued
- No. 6 Cup (Vodka-based) → Discontinued
(Today, only No. 1 and seasonal No. 3 are widely available.)
5. How to Drink Pimm’s (Beyond the Classic Cup)
While the Pimm’s Cup cocktail (with lemonade & fruit) is the most famous way to serve it, you can also:
- Pimm’s & Tonic (with tonic water for bitterness)
- Pimm’s Royale (with champagne/prosecco)
- Pimm’s Dark & Stormy (with ginger beer)
- Neat or on the rocks (for a stronger herbal taste)
6. Where to Buy & Price Range
- Availability: Sold in liquor stores worldwide (UK, US, Europe, Australia).
- Price: ~20–30 USD per 750ml bottle (affordable for a liqueur).
7. Fun Facts
- 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.
Final Verdict
Pimm’s No. 1 is a unique, lightly boozy, spiced-fruit liqueur that’s best known for refreshing cocktails but has a rich history.
If you like herbal, citrusy flavors with a touch of bitterness, it’s worth trying straight or mixed!
