Make Your Own PIMMs!
One of the unmistakable signatures of British Summer Time is a glass of PIMMs in hand, as you guide your afternoon wherever the mood takes you. It may have topped the drinks tables at Wimbledon in 1971, but to trace its true origin, let’s cast our historian’s eyeglass back to 1840s London and the oyster bar of one James Pimm.
There, Pimm began blending fruit liqueur with gin and serving the concoction in small cups.
Each cup was numbered to indicate its alcoholic base: No.1 being gin-based; and so the PIMMs we know and love was born. Thank you, Mr. Pimm! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to sip a glass while I varnish the croquet mallet…
The basic anatomy of this summery delight? A fruit liqueur, a dash of gin, some lemonade or ginger ale and a garnish that sings your song or pushes your punt.
Naturally, we like to push flavour and joy to their upper limits. So here’s how we recommend you give it a go and perhaps start crafting your own version (our video shows it step-by-step).
First, pour 1 part Dr. J’s Gin. Then, add 1 part of our crisp, refreshing Cucumber Spirit. Now for the centrepiece: 2 parts of our vibrant Raspberry & Bay Shrub - trust us, your taste buds will never look back. Finally, top with 4 parts lemonade or ginger ale - roughly equal to the total volume of the spirits you’ve added (if you ski my drift). Stir gently.
Garnish to your heart’s content: I favour a handful of torn tarragon leaves, sliced strawberries, a palmful of mint, a twist of pink grapefruit peel and a few drops (3 to 5) of aromatic bitters. And, of course, don’t forget plenty of ice.
Now, serve, sip, and relax. Let summer lift you up.
Cheers and do avoid too much direct sunlight!
Bakingly,
Dr. J
