Pimms No.1

Summertime in a glass. A gin based mixture, Pimm's No.1 Cup is best as a long drink - poured over ice in a tall glass, lemonade or soda added and garnished with fruit and mint. Pimm's was invented in the 1840s, by the owner of an oyster bar in the City of London. James Pimm sold the tonic as an aid to digestion, and served it in a small tankard, the 'No 1 Cup'. After WWII, the Pimms range was extended, using other spirits as a base for new versions, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, 5 and 6. Only No.1 and No.6 are still in production.
Pimm began to market it ready-mixed in 1859, such was its popularity. 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.

Throwing in every type of fruit available does not a good cocktail make. A simple Pimm`s and Soda water is just as refreshing. More complicated cocktails are detailed below. Where mint is listed try bashing the leaves first to release more flavour. All should be made over plenty of ice. Optionally you could add frozen cubes of orange juice as well. If you can find fresh borage use some of its smaller leaves instead of the cucumber. Over the last couple of years we have accumulated the following distinctive cocktail recipes. Experiment and enjoy.

Pimms and Ginger
1 measure of Pimm`s
3 measures of Ginger Beer
1 slice of lemon
1 slice of Cucumber
1 slice of Apple
Fresh Mint

Pimms Original
2 measures of Pimm`s
2 measure of Ginger Beer
2 measures of Lemonade
1 slice of Cucumber
1 slice of Lemon
1 slice of Orange
1 slice of strawberry
Fresh Mint

Southern Pimms Punch
1 bottle of Pimm`s
1 bottle of Bourbon
1/4 bottle of sweet Vermouth
1/4 bottle of white Rum
300mls of Orange Juice
1 bottle of Champagne or Sparkling wine
Fresh fruit - strawberries, pineapple, cherries, peaches [makes a huge amount!]
Pimms Cocktal: Pimms Spritz
Pimms Spritz
1 measure of Pimm`s
1 measure of Gin
3 measures of lemonade
1 slice of Lemon
1 Strawberry

Pimms Royale
1 measure of Pimm`s
1 slice of Orange
1 slice of Lemon
1 slice of Lime
1 slice of Apple
Fresh Mint
Top up glass with Champagne

Pimms and Champagne
1 measure of Pimm`s
3 measures Champagne

Henley Skullfarquar
1 bottle Smirnoff Ice
½ pint of Strongbow Cider
50 ml Pimm`s
35 ml Gordons Gin
35 ml Grenadine
50-100ml Soda Water (optional)
50-100ml Lemonade (optional)
Selection of fruit - Orange/Lemon slices
Combine in a large jug and enjoy with plenty of ice.

Created by Rob Hooton & Adrian Ginzler, with a slightly different word begining with F

Pimms Pim Pom *
2 measures Pimm`s
3 measures Pomegreat Juice

* (A clean and highly refreshing alternative to the classic Pimm's. Finishes drier and classier than with lemonade. Dont forget the usual fruit and veg additions.)