Cocktail Series: Pimm's Cup

Say hello to the British summer staple, the Pimm’s Cup. The signature drink of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, this cocktail screams summer and sweet relief from the blistering sun. While summer this year will look a bit different, we could all still use a refreshing cocktail to sip on while sitting in the backyard, on porches, on a roof, balcony or maybe just while you sit in front of the air conditioner. The Pimm’s Cup was named after the man who concocted this creation in the 1800s, James Pimm. A London oyster bar owner, Pimm threw together the basic ingredients for this cocktail that was said to aid digestion. The cocktail was originally crafted with a multitude of herbs, gin, and quinine. The gin-based beverage became so popular, Pimm began selling this tonic calling it Pimm’s No.1 Cup and it was served with lemonade and garnished with fruit and mint. While created in London, this refreshing drink became quite popular, specifically at the Napoleon House bar in New Orleans in the 1940s. Searching for a cocktail that would combat the southern heat and was lower in alcohol, so the guests would keep drinking until the early hours, the owner of the Napoleon House brought the Pimm’s Cup to light and the rest is history. There are many different variations of the Pimm’s cup out there, and ultimately, the combo you choose comes down to preference. You’ll need to grab some Pimm’s No.1 and either Sprite, Ginger Ale, or lemonade, whatever fruits your heart desires and at last, a nice sprig of mint. Cheers!