The British Summer is here, and it’s Pimm’s O’Clock.

The heat has finally arrived in London. And as long-awaited as it’s been, it’s come with such intensity that it borders on overwhelming. It’s hot. Too hot. Stay-away-from-the-Tube, hot.

But we’ve waited all year for this moment. So rather than keep complaining, we’ll embrace it in true British style: with a fruity glass of Pimm’s. Oh, I can hear the clinking ice already.

Few things say “British summer” quite like a glass of Pimm’s. It’s the official drink of garden parties across the UK. And of Wimbledon, too, for those in need of refreshment while enjoying world-class tennis. It’s said that Pimm’s outsells Champagne ten to one on the famous court. Point.

The History of Pimm’s

Pimm’s was invented in 1823 by James Pimm, an oyster bar owner who created the drink as a digestive. It was introduced as a “health tonic” made out of gin (of course), herbs, fruits, and spices. That’s Victorian medicine for you. There was a particular wisdom we’ve seen to have lost, but that’s another story.

James Pimm

These days, the Pimm’s ritual is not for the sick, but for those seeking refreshment and good cheer under the sun. By the turn of the century, Pimm’s “No.1 cup”, as this fruit cup is known, transcended James’ oyster bar clientele and found its way into the hands of parliamentarians, society dames, and the Royal boxes at the races. From there, it made its way into everyone’s gardens.

Making the “No.1 Cup”

The cocktail name comes directly from the tradition of the fruit cup, a type of cocktail with gin, soft drink or soda, and fruit. To make it at home and indulge in this unmistakably British tradition, all you need is:

• Pimm’s No.1 (of course)

• Lemonade (in Britain, this means sparkling lemonade. Also known as fizzy lemonade)

• Strawberries

• Cucumber

• Orange

• Mint

• Ice

1. Start by filling a jug generously with ice, then add one part Pimm’s followed by three parts lemonade.

2. Gently stir to marry the flavours.

3. Add a handful of sliced strawberries, cucumber, orange, and a good sprig or two of fresh mint.

4. Stir once more, and serve in a tall or balloon glass, garnished with extra fruits, mint and cucumber. 

Cigars and Pimm’s: A Match Made in Summer

Now, let’s talk pairings. If you enjoy holding a lit cigar in one hand and a cocktail in the other, Pimm’s holds its own surprisingly well.

We recommend lighting up a Charatan Colorado, following the golden rule of “balance through contrast”. This medium-bodied blend enhances the vibrancy of any fruity cocktail by bringing out their brightness rather than smothering them.

Its smooth notes of spice, with woody and leathery accents, complement the herbal, citrus, and mint notes of a Pimm’s. Its mid-strength profile ensures it won’t overpower the drink, while still offering enough complexity to be engaging.

Just like a well-synchronised dance on the tennis court: thwack, pop, thwack, pop. Puff, gulp, puff, gulp. Match.

Unmistakably British

Timeless, effortless, and as British as complaining about the weather. This is not a sangria. Repeat: this is not a sangria. This is the way the English respond when the sun comes out to play. So, if the sun is out wherever you are reading this from, make yourself a jug of Pimm’s and thank us later. Cheers!