Pimm’s Cup at Wimbledon

One of the best ways for a tennis tournament to establish a unique brand identity is to have signature traditions that set the tournament apart from the others. One great way to do that, while enhancing the overall fan experience, is by serving a signature cocktail. For Wimbledon, it’s a Pimm’s Cup. If you watch the broadcast panoramic scenery of the grounds during the fortnight, you will likely see the brown-tinted iced beverage poured from a pitcher into a glass as well as fans savoring the obvious refreshment.

In what can be fairly characterized as a shocking oversight, I had failed to try a Pimm’s Cup until this year. Perhaps it is because the 11 pm curfew for the tournament translates to 5 pm in my local timezone. In other words, experiencing a Pimm’s Cup in the United States during live action is basically day drinking. Everybody knows that the cocktail hour doesn’t start until 5 pm.

Pimm’s is a British brand of a gin-based liqueur. The ingredients and the process are a “closely guarded secret.” However, it is widely believed to include carmelized oranges and herbs. At Wimbledon, Pimm’s is used to make a category of drink known as a fruit cup or a summer cup which is popular in England. That cocktail consists of a liqueur combined with soda, lemonade, or ginger ale. It is traditionally served in a tall glass.

Many “authentic” Wimbledon Pimm’s Cup recipes abound on the internet. I made mine using a 3-1 ratio of ginger-ale to liqueur garnished with cucumbers, orange slices, and mint. In retrospect, I think the Wimbledon version should arguably include strawberries, but I didn’t have any on hand that evening.

• 2 oz Pimm’s No 1 Cup Liqueur
• 6 oz Ginger Ale
• Cucumber Slice
• Orange Slice
• Mint

Muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of the cup, and add the cucumber and orange slices. Add the Pimm’s and then the ice. Pour the ginger ale over the ice and rub an additional mint leaf around the rim and add to the top of the cup.

“Authentic” Fiend at Court Pimm’s No 1 Cup Recipe

Mint is kind of essential, as it is necessary to offset the bitterness of the herbs in the Pimm’s No 1 Liqueur. In fact, I forgot to include the mint on my first attempt at the cocktail and initially did not like the beverage at all without it. I can personally attest that the drink is significantly better when the mint is included.

Some online descriptions claim that a Pimm’s Cup tastes like summer. The herbal nature of the liqueur certainly pairs well with the aroma of fresh-cut grass. It is certainly easy to see how the cocktail came to be the quintessential Wimbledon refreshment.

If you are looking to kick up your viewing experience for the Semi-Finals and Finals of the Championships this weekend, it’s not too late to head out to your local liquor store for a bottle of Pimm’s. Just don’t forget to pick up some mint while you are out.