The 10 best Pimm's No. 1 cocktails
Introduction
Sip the Delight of Pimm's Cocktails!
In the world of cocktails, creativity knows no bounds, and having a versatile ingredient like Pimm's No.
1 in your bar arsenal opens up a multitude of possibilities. This iconic British spirit, best known for its refreshingly fruity and slightly spiced character, is the foundation of some of the most beloved cocktail recipes worldwide. Whether you're mixing up a classic or experimenting with new flavors, this ingredient adds a distinctive touch that elevates any drink. Its unique blend of fruitiness pairs well with everything from fresh fruit and mint to bold spirits and mixers.
Perfect for any occasion, cocktails crafted with this renowned ingredient are sure to impress guests and enhance your sipping experience.
Top 10 Pimm's No. 1 cocktails
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· · · · · · Winter pimms punch
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· · · · · · Pimms and Lemonade
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· · · · · · Fire In The Hole
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· · · · · · S.a.b.i Martini
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· · · · · · Summer Pimm’s Cocktail
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· · · · · · English Cucumber Martini
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· · · · · · Call An Ambulance
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· · · · · · Turbo Pimms
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· · · · · · Heavy Hector
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· · · · · · Holbeach Lyn
Conclusion
More about Pimm's No. 1
1. Winter pimms punch
This cocktail is a winter favorite, designed to warm from the inside out. Combining brandy and Pimm's No. 1 with a selection of seasonal fruits and a hint of cinnamon, it creates a complex, spiced flavor profile that is both comforting and uplifting. The use of apple juice and fresh fruit not only adds sweetness but also layers of depth, making it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in. Its richness and body demonstrate how well Pimm's can transition from its summer associations to become the soul of winter festivities.
Ingredients
Method
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- If serving warm, combine the brandy, Pimm’s, apple juice, orange, apple and cinnamon in a large pan, heat but do not let it boil or simmer
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- Then, combine all ingredients in a sturdy pitcher
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- If serving cold, combine all ingredients into a pitcher or punch bowl with lots of ice and stir well before serving
2. Pimms and Lemonade
Leveraging the quintessential British summertime drink, this cocktail is simplicity perfected. It marries the herbaceous, slightly bitter taste of Pimm's No. 1 with the sweetness of lemonade, garnished with fresh, aromatic mint, juicy strawberries, and crisp cucumber. This drink epitomizes the garden party, a refreshing mix that is both easy to assemble and universally loved. Its popularity is a testament to the timelessness of Pimm's, celebrating the simplicity of ingredients while delivering a sophisticated taste.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add ice to a jug and half-fill with the Pimms, then top up with lemonade
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- Add mint, sliced strawberries and sliced cucumber
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- Stir and serve
3. Fire In The Hole
Merging the unexpected flavors of sambuca and Pimm's No. 1, this cocktail is for the adventurous palate. The boldness of sambuca, balanced with the soft bitterness of Pimm's and the acidity of orange juice, creates a fiery experience. Its name hints at the explosive flavor profile, designed to spark curiosity and conversation. Beyond its thrilling taste, it showcases the versatility of Pimm's, proving that it can hold its own even when mixed with strong, flavorful spirits.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add two shots of orange juice and one shot of Pimm's No
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- 1 to a highball glass with ice
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- Add half a shot of vodka and one shot of sambuca to the glass
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- Ignite the sambuca, blow out, then serve
4. S.a.b.i Martini
A creative twist on the Martini, this cocktail blends the tropical notes of cachaça and the sourness of lemon liqueur with the herbal qualities of Pimm's No. 1. The result is a cosmopolitan drink that feels both familiar and novel. It's a testament to the adaptability of Pimm's, complementing exotic flavors and elevating the martini to new heights. This drink is a perfect conversation starter, offering a unique taste that is both sophisticated and invigorating.
Ingredients
Method
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- Pour cachaça, limoncello, orange juice and Pimm's No
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- 1 into a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Garnish with a slice of lemon and serve
5. Summer Pimm’s Cocktail
Embodying the essence of summer, this cocktail mixes Pimm's No. 1 with ginger ale, generating a refreshingly spicy yet sweet beverage. It’s as straightforward as it is delicious, allowing the flavors of Pimm's to shine through while the ginger ale adds a fizzy kick. It's the epitome of an easygoing, sunny afternoon drink, versatile enough to be enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, or any casual gathering. This cocktail exemplifies how Pimm's No. 1 can serve as the basis for light, effervescent drinks that appeal to a wide audience.
Ingredients
Method
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- In a large tall glass, add five large ice cubes
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- Add three shots of Pimms
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- Top the glass up with ginger ale and stir
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- Garnish with a lemon slice and serve
6. English Cucumber Martini
This cocktail offers an elegant twist, blending the fresh taste of mint with the smoothness of Pimm's No. 1 and Calvados. The addition of lemon syrup introduces a sweet and sour element, refining the drink’s overall profile. It's a sophisticated martini variation that showcases the herbaceous quality of Pimm's in a more refined light, making it perfect for dinner parties or as an aperitif. The blend of flavors not only tantalizes the palate but also highlights the liqueur's flexibility in more upscale concoctions.
Ingredients
Method
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- Muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, before adding the rest of the ingredients
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- Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker becomes frosted, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and serve
7. Call An Ambulance
A hedonistic combination of various spirits with Pimm's No. 1 at its core, this cocktail is a smooth, milk-based drink that challenges convention. The mixture of Bailey's, coconut rum, vodka, whiskey, and the fiery touch of Aftershock with Pimm's creates a complex but harmonious blend. It's a testament to the cocktail's versatility, able to mesh seamlessly with a wide range of flavors from creamy to spicy, proving Pimm's can go beyond its traditional boundaries to create something truly unexpected.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add the ingredients to a pint glass then drop a couple of ice cubes in
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- Give it a quick stir and serve
8. Turbo Pimms
For those who like their drinks with a bit of edge, this mix brings together the light crispness of Smirnoff Ice with the rich, herbaceous flavor of Pimm's No. 1. The result is a highly drinkable, slightly effervescent beverage that is both refreshing and slightly intoxicating. It exemplifies how Pimm's can be used in simple, yet innovative ways to cater to a more modern palate, offering a slightly different take on the classic use of this versatile liqueur.
Ingredients
Method
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- Stir the ingredients together and add to a shot glass to serve
9. Heavy Hector
This cocktail is a bold amalgamation of flavors, combining the sweetness of peach liqueur and cherry brandy with the herbal notes of Pimm's No. 1, all balanced with the sharpness of gin and the fizz of ginger beer. This drink stands as a celebration of mixing expertise, showcasing how Pimm's can anchor a complex mix of ingredients to produce a balanced, multi-layered cocktail. It’s designed for those seeking a deeper, more intricate flavor journey, illustrating the boundless possibilities of cocktail crafting with Pimm's.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add two shots of Bombay Sapphire Gin, one shot of cherry brandy, two shots of peach liqueur, two shots of Pimm's No
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- 1 and one shot of sloe gin to a cocktail shaker with ice
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- Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass
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- Pour in four shots of ginger beer and serve
10. Holbeach Lyn
A refreshing and zesty cocktail that blends the crispness of gin and tonic with dashes of grenadine and Angostura bitters, rounded out with Pimm's No. 1 for a quintessentially British flavor. The addition of fresh lemon and lime slices infuses this drink with a citrusy aroma, making it an invigorating choice for any occasion. It's a showcase of how Pimm's can merge effortlessly with classic cocktail elements to create a drink that is both light and flavorful, proving its prowess as a mixer that enhances the cocktail experience.
Ingredients
Method
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- Add all the ingredients into a highball glass with ice
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- Stir and serve
Conclusion
The cocktails featured in this list were selected not just for their delightful flavors but also for their innovative use of Pimm's No.
1. Each one offers a unique combination of ingredients that highlights the distinctive characteristics of this iconic spirit, making them stand out in a crowded field of cocktail recipes. From traditional favorites to modern twists, these top 10 cocktails showcase the versatility and appeal of Pimm's, earning them a well-deserved spot among the best.
Whether you’re looking to savor something familiar or discover a new favorite, these cocktails provide an exceptional glimpse into the world of top-tier mixology.
More info
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More about Pimm's No. 1
Who created Pimm's No. 1, and what is its historical significance?
Pimm's No. 1 was created in the mid-19th century by James Pimm, a farmer's son from Kent who became the owner of an oyster bar in London. Pimm offered his concoction as a digestive aid, serving it in a small tankard known as a 'No. 1 Cup', hence the name. Its popularity grew rapidly, and it became a symbol of British summertime, associated with social events like garden parties, cricket matches, and the Henley Royal Regatta. Its historical significance lies in its status as a quintessential British drink that encapsulates the spirit of British social traditions and leisure.
What makes Pimm's No. 1 different from other gin-based liqueurs?
Pimm's No. 1 stands out from other gin-based liqueurs primarily due to its unique blend of spices and fruit extracts, giving it a distinctive, fruity flavor profile with a hint of spice and a subtle tea color with a reddish tint. Unlike other gin-based liqueurs, Pimm's No. 1 is infused with a variety of botanicals, herbs, and caramelized orange, creating a complex and refreshing flavor. Its recipe is a closely guarded secret, adding to its allure and distinguishing it further from its counterparts.
What are some recommended garnishes to use with Pimm's No. 1 cocktails?
For Pimm's No. 1 cocktails, particularly the classic Pimm's Cup, traditional garnishes include a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, oranges, and apples, along with cucumber slices and a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist. These garnishes not only add a burst of color and flavor but also complement the fruity and herbal notes of Pimm's No. 1, enhancing the overall drinking experience. Lemon slices or borage leaves can also be added for an aromatic touch.
How should Pimm's No. 1 be served to best enjoy its unique flavor?
To best enjoy the unique flavor of Pimm's No. 1, it should be served as a Pimm's Cup, which involves mixing 1 part Pimm's No. 1 with 2-3 parts lemon soda, ginger ale, or another clear soda. This mixture should then be poured over ice cubes in a tall glass and garnished with a variety of fresh fruits, cucumber, and mint. Serving Pimm's No. 1 in this way makes for a refreshing and flavorful summer drink that highlights the liqueur's distinct taste and aroma.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of Pimm's No. 1 for those who don't consume alcohol?
While there is no official non-alcoholic version of Pimm's No. 1 produced by the brand, those looking for a similar taste experience without alcohol can create a mocktail by mixing non-alcoholic ginger beer or ginger ale with a splash of fruit juices like orange and cranberry. Add similar garnishes used in a traditional Pimm's Cup, such as fresh fruits, cucumber, and mint, to mimic the refreshing and fruity profile of Pimm's No. 1. This alternative offers a similar vibe to the classic cocktail, catering to those avoiding alcohol.