Thursday, June 29, 2006

Pimm's Cup



I didn't take that picture. In fact, it was the best representation in Google Images I could find. You may never have heard of this British drink, a holdover from Carribbean and Indian colonization developed to be a refreshing, low alchohol drink to be enjoyed in the sweltering heat.

That is a common theme running through the pages and behind the mic of PWF. It has been unseasonably hot in LA, which usually enjoys moderate temperatures year round. Pimm's Cup is more often seen on the refined iron patio tables of New Orleans, a courtyard seat at Wimbledon, or a late summer cricket match. It is a refined, gentleman's drink.

Pimm's is an interesting liqueur. Invented by James Pimm in 1840, its base is gin, and it is enhanced by a myriad of aromatics and herbs that are a closely guarded secret. You do not normally drink Pimm's straight, as it has been compared to a cross between Robotussin and aromatic bitters, but when mixed with a light soda or lemonade, it makes for a great sipping or gulping cocktail.

A traditional Pimm's Cup is served in a tall, thin highball.
2 oz Pimm's No. 1,
3 oz of lemonade, 7-Up, or my favorite, ginger ale.
Garnish with a slice of cucumber (a must), mint and a fruit slice of some kind (optional). Yes, cucumber.

We discuss the Pimm's Cup briefly in the upcoming Spicy Food podcast, and I liken it to a mild curry flavor. I know it sounds odd, but the whole drink and tradition is an anomoly. No other drink I know of is garnished with a cucumber. So, for a unique and refreshing hot summer day drink, try a Pimm's Cup and see if the British are on to something.

4 Comments:

  • Pimm's is not always gin-based, that's why there are different numbers! But Pimm's No. 1 is gin-based and, along with Pimm's No. 3 (brandy-based)and Pimm's No. 6 (vodka-based) is the only Pimm's still in production, and the only one you can commonly find in bars.

    But at one time, they had Pimm's Nos. 1-6, all based on different alcohols.

    Pimm's Cups, along with margaritas and mint juleps are essential for summer!

    By Blogger KT, at 1:18 PM  

  • You know, I don't think I've ever seen anything but a bottle of Pimm's No. 1. I'll have to look for the others.

    By Blogger Steve Wasser, at 6:02 PM  

  • Ha, funny story about Pimms. When my aunt got married a few years ago (damn, was that really 8 years ago?), the reception was at the House of Commons. After having a night of champagne and scotch we went to Brian Turner's place for more drinking. The next morning we boarded a bus to go to my aunt's country house for a reception. All I wanted was something refreshing to drink. My new cousins were excited for the Pimms iced tea and I started drinking it. I didn't know it was alcholoic until I was about two or three glasses in. Uhg.

    By Anonymous Jonah, at 10:28 PM  

  • I love Pimm's Cup!1 A couple years ago at Lucques, the bartender made me one with cucumber and thin apple slices. So refreshing! I make mine with cucumber and orange.

    By Blogger triplecreme, at 5:49 PM  

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