4 ways with Pimm’s, from barbecue chicken to cake recipes

What is Pimm’s?

Pimm’s is a gin-based liqueur that was invented by James Pimm way back in 1840, when customers at his London oyster bar first enjoyed it. It includes a blend of spices, botanicals and caramelised orange, but the exact recipe remains under wraps.

The most famous variety of Pimm’s is the No.1, which is used to make the Pimm’s No.1 Cup cocktail that most of us think of when we hear the word ‘Pimm’s’. The official recipe is one part Pimm’s to three parts lemonade, served over ice and finished with mint, strawberries and slices of cucumber and orange. Other Pimm’s drinks available over the years have included Pimm’s No.2 (based on whisky), No.3 (brandy, relaunched in 2004 and marketed as a winter drink) and No.4 (vodka, discontinued in 2021).

What does it taste like?

The flavour of Pimm’s is rich and fruity, with a subtle hint of spice and caramelised sweetness.

4 of the best Pimm’s recipes

Ultimate Pimm’s
Let’s start with the classic! Our very best Pimm’s recipe recommends adding ginger ale and gin to the traditional version for extra oomph and aroma, along with some extra fruity garnishes: seasonal cherries and nectarines. Try it and see what you think… If you can get hold of them, borage flowers make a great addition too; they have a subtle cucumber flavour (and look beautiful).

Summer-cup bundt cake
Food writer Felicity Cloake’s summery bundt creation is designed to be the perfect picnic cake. “No birthday picnic is complete for me without a big jug of gently sparkling summer fruit cup, but this dense, buttery cake is boozy enough to be a very acceptable replacement – and robust enough for easy transportation,” she says. Her recipes suggests making your own summer cup mix from gin, vermouth and orange liqueur – but Pimm’s works perfectly too.

Pimm’s glazed chicken with strawberry and cucumber salad
Pimm’s… in a savoury dish? Yes, it works! The sweet, spiced flavour of Pimm’s lends itself surprisingly well to creating a rich marinade for chicken thighs in this genius recipe. Grill on the barbecue (or cook in a griddle pan or under the grill) while basting with a sticky Pimm’s glaze, then serve with a fresh salad inspired by the summer cup’s classic garnishes.

Pimm’s fizz
Add an extra layer of sophistication to your jug of Pimm’s with a splash of sparkling wine. The grown-up flavour adds a different dimension to the classic fruity drink and extra hit of effervescence. Pimm’s, but make it a spritz!

Discover more summery cocktail inspiration…