rus

I read a post about a French drink....this is one they drink in English Novels .....can anyone tell me about it ? Thanks for your time .

norm

A Pimms cup is a very British drink made from a liquor called Pimms No. 5 and lemonade. Usually a slice of cucumber is added. Very refreshing.

Danna

Rus, we asked this same question in Donegal, the bartender examined the Pimms bottle and still couldn't tell us what Pimms is. Interested to find out what Fodorites tell us!.

rus

Thanks Norm....and Danna, did you try it ? did you like it ? Norm seems to like it . Would it be available at a bar only or also in a pub? Thanks for your responses, both of you .

George Holt

Pimms is a base for making punch. There was once a series of Pimms based on different spirits, the currently common one I think is whisky based. In its simplest form you mix it with ice and lemonade and throw in any available fruit and veg (cucumber, citruses, apple and mint are a good selection) and serve as a punch. Its popular at society events like Henley and Wimbledon, light on the lips leading to light in the head.

I turned up this page of recipes
http://www.outhouse.demon.co.uk/pimms.htm

As it turns out PIMMS is also Portable, Interactive Multi-Mission Simulator, software for high-energy astrophysicists and Project to Increase Mastery of Mathematics (PIMM).

Ann

And I think you need to add that it's very much a summer time drink, especially at out of doors functions. It is available at our local pubs during summer and is sold by the half pint or pint. Because of the lemonade it is fairly sweet depending on how it is mixed. It can be deceptively strong.

Karen

I always thought Pimms was a mixer drink, with lemonade added and a choice of gin or vodka (at least thats the way they serve it in the wine bars in London). Lots of citrus fruit, cucumber and ice is added. Its very refreshing and popular during the summer months. You can usually get it by the jug.
Its very easy to drink and as Ann said can be deceptively strong - speaking from experience here!

Ann

Pimms is not a mixer drink like tonic or dry ginger. It is alcoholic but does have to be mixed with lemonade or see below for a less sweet recipe.

Pimm's is about as half as strong as other liqueurs; Pimm's No.1 has a gin base, and Pimm's No. 2 a whiskey base, No.3 brandy, No4 rum, No.5 rye, and No. 6 vodka. Today, only No.1 and No. 6 are available to the consumer which is why Karen mentions the choice, but it is not added - that would be strong!

A recipe:

Take a large glass jug. Into it put:

1 measure of Pimm's No.1 per person

The peel of half a cucumber

Lots of bashed mint (bashing it brings out the flavour)

1 sliced fresh lime and lemon

The juice of another lime and lemon

Leave the mixture to marinade, and just before drinking, add the ice and top it up with half lemonade and half ginger ale. To use lemonade only makes the drink too sickly.

Roll on summer!

Sarah

I believe when the English say lemonade they're referring to what Americans would call lemon soda (or pop) -- that is, a carbonated lemon drink (but any Brits here should correct me if I'm wrong!). I like Pimms with Citra, which is kind of like the Lemon Clubsp) available in England and Ireland.

linda

For the uninitiated, lemonade is a generic-type 7-up, not particularly lemon tasting.

rus

You all are great. I love getting the recipe , Thanks. Do you think this is something we can get at the duty free( bottle of Pimms#1 or #6 ) to mix up at home ? Also, since we are going in March( next week) will it not be available in the pubs being it's not summer ? Thanks again all .

Ann

Yes, you can buy it in duty-free. I took some over to my sister in Canada. I've a feeling No 1 is easier to find than 6.

You can ask for it in a pub - I'm sure they'll make it up for you if they have a bottle. They may not have all the bits and pieces to put in it, such as the mint. But it's still pleasant.

rus

Thanks, Ann. I'll be the lifting Pimms in the Pub next week! Ye gods! I hope i like it !

Diane

If you live near any really extensive liquor store, they are likely to carry Pimms -- we've drunk it during the summertime for over 25 years in the DC area...mixing it with 7-up (Citra is good too)...and sticking in the slice of cucumber with plenty of ice. Last bottle we bought(of #1) was at Corridor Wine & Liquor in Laurel, MD right off the B/W Parkway. Very refreshing. (By the way, Corridor has the most incredible selection of wine and foreign beer...this isn't an ad, just a "warning" that if you go, you may find yourself very easily stocking up so much you need to ALSO buy some inexpensive wine shelving for your basement!)

Ryn

I've been drinking Pimms & soda ever since college 20 years ago. It's not nearly as much trouble to mix that combo as a proper Pimms cup, and it's obviously much drier in flavour. Not traditional at all, I know, but I like it all the same. To make it, just pour a finger or two of Pimms in a glass, add ice, then top up the glass with (club) soda.