Pimm's
10 interesting Pimm's facts to celebrate Wimbledon
What images come to mind when you think about Wimbledon? Perfectly manicured courts? World-famous tennis players, all kitted in white, battling on said courts? Probably. But a lot of the most enduring symbols of the tournament exist outside of the court. Like a glass of Pimm’s and lemonade, brimming with ice, fruit and herbs.
To celebrate the launch of this year’s tournament, we look back at the history of one of the most iconic brands in Diageo’s portfolio
1. Pimm’s first started in the 1840s
James Pimm started serving the No. 1 Cup from his Oyster bars in London in the 1840s. At the time, it was a welcome change from drinking neat gin and was served as an aid to digesting the oysters in his bar. He used the secret blend of gin, herbs and liqueur to create the world’s first ‘gin sling’ which was an immediate success and quickly became popular in other bars and restaurants in the capital.
2. There is a perfect Pimm’s to lemonade ratio
To make the perfect Pimm’s Cup, ensure you use a 3:1 ratio. For one serve, we recommend using 50ml Pimm’s to 150ml lemonade. Making a jug or pitcher? Then simply adapt your quantities, keeping the same ratio.
Find out how to make the perfect Pimm's No.1 and Lemonade here.
3. It can be enjoyed in winter, too
While it’s commonly associated with warmer weather, a bottle of Pimm’s isn’t just for summer. Serve it hot with apple juice for a delicious winter warmer. See the full recipe on Diageo Bar Academy.
4. The first Pimm’s bar opened at Wimbledon in 1971
The first-ever Pimm’s bar opened at the tournament in 1971, officially cementing its status as the quintessential Wimbledon drink. It’s not the only sporting event where the Pimm’s Cup is served on rotation though – it’s also a popular order at the Royal Ascot, Chelsea Flower Show and Henley Royal Regatta.
5. But it was associated with the tournament long before that…
By the time the Pimm’s bar opened shop at Wimbledon, the drink was already synonymous with the world-famous tennis tournament. Just look at these advertisements from 1939 (L), 1974 (C) and 1951 (R).
*These advertisements should be viewed as historical records and are not affiliated with the Pimm’s brand as we know it today.
6. There used to be several varieties
Ever wondered why it’s called Pimm’s No. 1? Well, that’s because it was part of a bigger range.
In fact, over time, there have been six different varieties all using different base spirits. Pimm’s No 1 has a gin base, but the other original ones are as follows:
• No.2 – Scotch Whisky
• No.3 – Brandy
• No.3 – Rum
• No. 5 – Rye Whiskey
• No 6. – Vodka
No. 2, 3, 4 and 5 were all discontinued in the 1970s, and No.6 was taken off the shelves in 2021.
7. The recipe is a closely guarded secret
The distinctive taste of Pimm’s is a mixture of gin, herbs and liqueur, with complex bittersweet notes of caramelized orange, fresh citrus and herbal flavours. However, the exact recipe is a secret. The taste is a mystery to be savoured, not solved.
8. Pimm’s was awarded a Royal Warrant in 2010
With its distinctive fusion of flavours, Pimm’s is fit for a royal. Literally. The quintessential drink of the British summer was awarded a Royal Warrant in 2010.
Awarded to companies who “supply products or services on a regular or ongoing basis to the Royal Household of a Grantor for not less than five years out of the past seven.” It’s basically a regal seal of approval, given to brands enjoyed in the royal household.
9. Pimm’s first started in the 1840s
The classic serve is a Pimm’s Cup – Pimm’s and lemonade. However, there are a plethora of other cocktails you can make with Pimm's: The Pimm’s Fizz, Pimm’s Royal and Prim and Proper are just two of them. This US advertisement from 1985 recommends serving it with a wedge of orange and club soda.
10. In 2023, 330,000 Pimm’s serves were enjoyed during the two-week Wimbledon Championship
Some 532,651 attendees passed through the gates during Wimbledon last year, enjoying 330,000 serves of Pimm’s. It’s not just Pimm’s that spectators flock to buy though: per the Wimbledon website, more than 140,000 punnets of strawberries are consumed too.