7 ways to pimp your Pimm’s
Words: Charlie Gardiner-Hill
Pimm’s is one of Britain’s longest standing summer traditions popular with princes and paupers alike, with a Royal Warrant to their name. The first sip of a No.1 cup symbolises the start of the summer for rain-weary drinkers up and down the country. But if you’ve grown tired of the tried and trusted recipe then we’ve got a few alternatives to spice up your summer.
Pimm’s Deuce
Juicing is in and if you’re into juicing then this should be your cocktail of choice this summer.
Take a jug or long drink glass and fill it with ice, then mix 1 part Pimm’s No.1?with 1.5 parts orange juice?and 1.5 parts cranberry juice.?Add a slice of orange and a strawberry.
Sweet and Spice
Connoisseurs of the sweet summer tipple swear by using Ginger Beer in place of lemonade. Perfect for the pub.
Take a jug or long drink glass and fill it with ice, then mix 1 part Pimm’s No.1?with 3 parts ginger ale. Add a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint.
The dark side
Pimm’s Blackberry and Elderflower alternative is the distiller’s best-kept secret, serve in place of the ever present No.1 and surprise your guests with a thirst-quencher to die for.
Take a jug or long drink glass and fill it with ice, mix 1 part Pimm’s Blackberry & Elderflower with 2 parts chilled homemade lemonade and garnish with blackberries.
Go herbal
Traditionally served with sprig of mints, slapped to release their flavour, there are other under-rated herbal alternatives to accompany your summer cup. Fresh basil, rosemary and even thyme can be added for some extra zing.
Take a jug or long drink glass and fill it with ice, mix 1 part Pimm’s No.1 with 2 parts chilled homemade lemonade and garnish with mixed fruit, cucumber, mint and a selection of herbs chosen to taste. We recommend basil, it won’t disappoint.
Stream you inner artist
Sodastream’s are the stuff of childhood dreams, take any drink and make it fizzy. Have fun and inject some unexpected flavours into your Pimm’s this summer by throwing them together and letting the machine do the work.
Take subtly spiced honey syrup and a Pimm’s recipe of your choice, combine in the Sodastream container and fire up the bubbles.
Grow up a bit
For the more mature pallet replacing the fizz with sophisticated and spiked flavours can revolutionise Britain’s sweet summer tipple and give it some well rounded panache.
Use chilled lightly sweetened ice tea and citrus juice as a mixer with a classic Pimm’s recipe, spike it with tequila or rye whiskey.
Bubble up
Pimm’s was originally conceived to complement oysters as a digestif so it seems only natural that it should be paired with champagne, in fact, it’d be a crime not to – it’s official name is Pimm’s Royale.
Take a champagne flute, add 25ml of Pimm’s No.1 then?top up the glass with Champagne?of your choice before adding a strawberry to garnish.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
