Pimm's No. 1 Cup

The "classic" notes below are from a 1:3 mix with sparkling lemonade and ice, no garnishes. Appearance (neat): Bronzed orange-red, similar to oloroso sherry. Appearance (classic): Pale orange-amber, like a lighter, more orange lager. Aroma (neat): Citrus peel, berries, cherries, with a hint of cinnamon. Aroma (classic): Very subtle. Chilled and diluted, it loses most of its scent, but a mix of citrus and faint spices can still be detected. Flavor (neat): Citrus peel, sweet and mild with very subdued herbal and spice notes. A light bitter tang at the back of the palate hints at gin. It's quite like a diluted amaro. You could drink it neat, but it's intended for dilution in a "cup" [punch], so drinking it straight would be like sipping orgeat or grenadine – possible, but why? Flavor (classic): Finally, the main point. Fruity and sweet with subtle citrus and cherry flavors. Perhaps a hint of pineapple? Its gin origins are barely perceptible. Sweet, but not excessively, and refreshing. Pimm's No.1 is a classic fruit punch base designed for refreshing, low-alcohol drinks on warm days. Whatever mixer you use (lemonade, ginger ale, soda, ginger beer, etc.) will be prominent, but a base of citrus, delicate spices, and herbs will always remain. Starting with the "classic" sparkling lemonade dilution, your imagination is the only limit to how you can use Pimm's. It pairs well with almost anything except dairy, and naturally complements anything with citrus or a tart/sour element. Ginger beer with a splash of grenadine is excellent, and you can get creative with garnishes. My favorite way to have it is what I call a "Pimm's Ricky" (though it contains no bourbon). I use the standard 1:3 dilution but substitute Riccadonna, an inexpensive, low-alcohol (7%) sweet sparkling wine, which works wonderfully with Pimm's No. 1. Some people insist Pimm's is best with champagne (a "Pimm's and Bolly"), but I find champagne too dry for it. Spumante or a sweet prosecco is a better match. Excellent product, definitely worth the cost. You'll find yourself going through a bottle quickly. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars) Also, this product listing should be in the "Other" category now that it exists. Pimm's is absolutely not a liqueur.

N: A touch of ethanol and some herbal dryness. P: Sweetness and fruit are present, along with a bitter herbal character possibly from citrus peel. Not intensely thick, but has body. The bitterness is akin to Jägermeister but much gentler, less viscous, and with a simpler herbal profile. F: Fruitiness and bitterness linger, though the finish isn't particularly robust. Overall, it functions well as a mixer, though it's not essential. A blend of Jägermeister and grenadine could likely serve a similar purpose. Since I don't typically enjoy Pimm's Cup cocktails, figuring out its best use as a mixer is a bit unclear. However, combining it with bourbon, high-proof rum, lime, a strong simple syrup, and perhaps homemade grenadine yielded a rather sweet drink. Difficult to rate. It didn't blow me away. A score around 12 seems fitting.

The nose of the liqueur is distinctly citrus-forward. Lemon is immediately apparent, with a hint of lime and other fruits following. There's also a very subtle trace of spice. On the tongue, the drink is sweet, gradually transitioning into mellow spice. One can distinctly taste the gin base without it overpowering the unique botanical blend of Pimm's. There is a subtle spice in the finish that includes a hint of cinnamon (and perhaps anise). Very late in the finish, there's an earthy quality to the liqueur that enhances the experience of the fruit and spice in the drink with every new sip. It is excellent served over ice with lemonade, and I suspect it would also be very good in a warm winter cocktail.

Tasting it neat... which isn't its strong suit. Deep rose brown color with coating legs in the glass. Nose is fruity, like bubble gum, floral, and sweet. On the palate, floral fruit and citrus, sweet with a hint of bitterness in the background – not like an amaro bitter, but the suggestion of one. Light and thin flavors, no ethanol noticeable. Finish shows more bitterness and then disappears quickly, leaving a bubblegum aftertaste. It's a flavoring ingredient that would be perfect with lemon-lime soda and ice – a Pimm's Cup – ideal on a hot day. The original spritz, but much smoother than Aperol. That's its ideal use, and where I'm taking it on this 95-degree evening.

It's not advised to drink this neat; it has the texture and lingering taste of medicinal syrup. Our family's Pimm's Cup, a summer staple, is made with ginger ale, cucumbers, lemon, mint, and strawberries. It creates a delightful, revitalizing, and moderately alcoholic beverage for a warm afternoon.

From a government-run liquor store in Vancouver, on Commercial Drive. A 2 oz serving was poured into a chilled snifter. Hmm, sweeter than I anticipated. Perhaps it performs better in mixed drinks. By itself? It’s passable, but just. It has sweetness, fruitiness, a hint of bitterness, and is mildly enjoyable.