A Brief History of Pimm’s
Pimm's has been gracing the social scene since the 19th century. Created by James Pimm, a London oyster bar owner, Pimm's No. 1 Cup was originally intended as a health tonic. Its secret recipe includes a base of gin, along with a blend of liquors and spices, creating its distinct taste that has stood the test of time.
Ingredients
Creating your own Pimm’s cocktail at home is as easy as a summer breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for a pitcher that serves around 4:
- 200 ml Pimm’s No. 1
- 600 ml lemonade (or lemon-lime soda for a sweeter touch)
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 200 g strawberries, halved
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Pimm’s Cocktail Recipe
1. Prepare the Fruits and Herbs:
Begin by thoroughly washing your fruits and herbs. Slice the cucumber, orange, and lemon into thin rounds. Halve the strawberries. Pluck some fresh mint leaves from their stems.
2. Fill Your Pitcher with Ice:
Take a large pitcher and fill it halfway with plenty of ice cubes. This ensures your cocktail will stay chillingly refreshing.
3. Add the Pimm’s:
Pour 200 ml of Pimm’s No. 1 into the pitcher over the ice.
4. Mix in the Lemonade:
Top up your beverage with 600 ml of lemonade, stirring gently to combine well. If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can opt for soda water or a mix of soda water and lemonade.
5. Garnish Galore:
Add the sliced cucumbers, oranges, lemons, and strawberries into the mix. For that extra aromatic touch, sprinkle the fresh mint leaves on top.
6. Stir and Serve:
Give it all a good stir, making sure the fruits and mint are evenly distributed. Pour into tall glasses, garnishing with extra mint or fruit slices if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Pimm’s Cocktail
- Customise Your Drink: Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as apples, raspberries, or passion fruit for a unique twist.
- Go Lite on Sugar: Use soda water to cut down on sweetness if you're not using store-bought lemonade.
- Alcohol-Free Version: Simply swap the Pimm’s for a non-alcoholic gin alternative and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
The Pimm’s cocktail is more than just a drink - it’s a tradition, an experience, and the embodiment of summer in a glass. Whether lounging in the garden, hosting a sunny brunch, or celebrating a special occasion, serving Pimm’s is sure to delight and refresh. So, gather your ingredients, stir up a pitcher, and toast to good times and cheerful company.
Cheers to enjoying the Pimm’s cocktail at its best!
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