James Pimm created Pimm's #1 Cup back in the 1840s. He added herbs and quinine to good old gin to make a digistif. Later there came:
- #2 Cup based in scotch,
- #3 Cup based in brandy,
- #4 Cup based in rum,
- #5 Cup based in rye,
- #6 Cup based in vodka.
Good old James was great at mixing up stuff; not so good at naming things.
It is the #1 Cup that survives and that you may purchase today, and it is the cocktail based on James' bottled elixir that goes by the same name and is inextricably associated with Wimbledon.
There are many ways to make this "traditional" libation and one is sure to start an argument by asserting a single position too strongly. We can be sure that it should contain Pimm's and a cucumber garnish. Beyond that there are calls for lemonade, lemon-lime soda, Seven-up (definitely wrong), ginger ale and possible more gin (a good plan).
So without asserting any claim on the original, we will offer our Pimm's Cup this weekend. Pimm's #1 cup is aided by the addition of a half shot more Tanqueray Gin, a goodly amount of cucumber, our own house-made ginger ale and some springy other ingredients.
The crocus are up. Spring is just around the corner, and the Pimm's Cup will be served all weekend at the Cocktail Bar at Catherine Lombardi.
This Friday and Saturday, The Pimm's Cup will be offered at a 33% discount. The most tasteful cocktail enthusiasts of The Garden State will be in attendance, as is their custom. Hors d'Oeuvres will be passed Friday evening.
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