Pimms Cup Liqueur
Pimm's Cup Liqueur is a quintessentially British gin-based liqueur that has been the foundation of one of summer's most beloved cocktails since 1823. Created by James Pimm as a digestive tonic for his London oyster bar, this distinctive liqueur blends gin with a secret recipe of herbs, spices, and fruit extracts to create a complex, slightly sweet profile with citrus and herbal notes. The deep amber color and aromatic character make it instantly recognizable, while its moderate alcohol content and refreshing flavor profile have made it synonymous with British summer traditions, from Wimbledon to garden parties and punting on the Thames. While it's most famously served as a Pimm's Cup—mixed with lemonade or ginger ale and garnished with fresh fruit and cucumber—this versatile liqueur offers countless possibilities for creative cocktails and refreshing warm-weather drinks that capture the spirit of British summertime elegance.
On the nose, Pimm's presents inviting aromas of orange, herbs, and warm spices with notes of caramel, citrus peel, and subtle botanical complexity. The palate delivers a gently sweet, fruity experience with flavors of orange marmalade, herbal notes, and warming spices balanced by a gin backbone and refreshing citrus brightness that keeps it from being cloying. The finish is clean and lightly spiced with lingering fruit and herbal notes. The classic Pimm's Cup preparation—mixed with lemonade or ginger ale and loaded with fresh fruit, cucumber, and mint—creates one of the most refreshing and visually stunning summer cocktails, perfect for garden parties and outdoor entertaining. It also works beautifully in punches, spritzes, and creative variations that play with the herbal-fruity profile. Whether you're embracing British cocktail traditions, seeking a distinctive liqueur for summer entertaining that's both elegant and approachable, or looking for a versatile base that transforms simple mixers into sophisticated refreshments, Pimm's Cup Liqueur delivers historic charm and the bright, herbaceous character that has made it a beloved staple of British summer culture for nearly two centuries.