Episode 23: Pimm's No. 1

Episode 23 covers Pimm's No. 1. A gin based spirit from Great Britain, it's a mainstay of Summer for the British when mixed into its signature cocktail the Pimm's Cup. At 25% ABV, or 50 proof, it's easy drinking, especially when mixed.

Enjoy this episode with a Pimm's Cup.

Pimm's official website: https://www.anyoneforpimms.com/

Brief Historical Timeline:

1840 - James Pimm invents Pimm's No. 1 to be served at his Oyster bar
1851 - No. 2 and No. 3 are introduced
1859 - Production for commercial sale beyond the oyster bar begins
1865 - James Pimm sells his business to Fredrick Sawyer
1880 - Horatio David Davies buys Pimm's
1887 - Pimm's Oyster Houses are franchised throughout London
Late 1890s - Horatio becomes Sir Horatio as a member of Parliament then Lord Mayor of London
1906 - Sir Horatio forms Pimm's into a private company and uses his connections to popularize Pimm's No. 1
Post WWII - No. 4 is launched
1960s - No. 5 and No. 6 are launched
1969 - Diageo ancestor acquires Pimm's, Diageo still owns the brand as of 2020
1971 - Pimm's Cup is first sold at Wimbledon
1970s & 80s - Variations other than No. 1 are retired, sales decline
1990s to today - Diageo invests in marketing and Pimm's No. 1 has it's place cemented in the British and world drinks culture

Key Cocktail:

Pimm's No. 1 is basically a premixed punch. Much of this episode digs into the history of this "fruit cup" cocktail. Pimm's No. 1 is synonymous with the Pimm's Cup cocktail.

The British way is to mix 1 part Pimm's No. 1 with 3 parts Lemonade and garnish heavily with Strawberry, Orange, Cucumber and a sprig of Mint.

The American (or more specifically, New Orleans) way is to substitute the lemonade for Sprite, 7-Up or other lemon lime soda. And cut back on the garnish a bit.

References:

Wikipedia article on Pimm's

Web Archive version of the Pimm's official website, circa 2016

Wikipedia article on a Sling

Wikipedia article on the Singapore Sling

Difford's Guide article on Fruit Cups

The Spruce Eats article on Pimm's

Napoleon House Restaurant in New Orleans

Top UK selling RTD cocktails for 2019

Contact Information:

Official show website is: www.liquorandliqueurconnoisseur.com

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