Pimm's #1 Liqueur 750ML

Pimm's #1 Liqueur 750ML is a gin-based English fruit cup liqueur bottled at 25% ABV (50 proof) in a 750ml format. Created in London and now produced by Diageo, this iconic spirit is defined by one of the drinks world's most tightly guarded recipes — a secret formula known in fragments by only six people, none of whom are permitted to travel together.

Quick Facts: ABV: 25%  |  Origin: London, England  |  Style: Gin-Based Fruit Cup Liqueur  |  Producer: Diageo

Production & Heritage

Pimm's No. 1 traces its roots to James Pimm, a London oyster bar owner who began serving his proprietary gin sling in the 1840s. The base spirit is dry gin, into which a proprietary blend of fruits, spices, herbs, and botanicals is infused — the exact composition remaining undisclosed for nearly two centuries. Each of the six custodians of the recipe knows only a portion, a security measure that underscores just how fiercely the formula is protected. Diageo, the current owner, continues to produce the liqueur in England, maintaining the same secretive process that made the original Pimm's Cup a fixture of British summer culture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bittersweet orange peel leads, followed by chamomile, cinnamon, and star anise. Deeper sniffs reveal dark licorice, chocolate, and an earthy rootiness that hints at the botanical complexity beneath.

Taste: Light-bodied and immediately refreshing on the palate, with orange marmalade and lemon zest arriving first. The mid-palate introduces earthy herbal notes — ginseng, coffee, cocoa — layered over the dry gin backbone, which provides a subtle juniper-forward structure. A thread of caramelized orange sweetness balances the drier, bitter components.

Finish: Medium in length with a pleasantly bitter close, dominated by lingering licorice, herbal rootiness, and a final citrus jolt. The finish dries gradually, inviting the next sip.

How to Drink Pimm's No. 1

The definitive serve is the Pimm's Cup: one part Pimm's to three parts lemonade (or ginger ale), loaded with cucumber, strawberries, orange slices, and fresh mint over ice. It is the official drink of Wimbledon and the quintessential British garden party pour.

• Pimm's Royale: Top with Champagne or sparkling wine instead of lemonade for an effervescent, celebratory twist that amplifies the citrus and spice.
• Pimm's Spritz: Combine with prosecco and a splash of soda water — a lighter, more continental take that plays well with the marmalade and herbal notes.
• Pimm's & Ginger Beer: Swap lemonade for ginger beer, adding warmth and spice that complements the cinnamon and licorice undertones.

Best For

• Hosting a summer garden party or outdoor gathering
• Building a Wimbledon or British-themed cocktail menu
• Gifting an Anglophile or cocktail enthusiast exploring classic British drinks
• Adding a versatile, low-ABV option to a home bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pimm's No. 1 taste like? Pimm's No. 1 is light-bodied and refreshing, with dominant flavors of orange marmalade, lemon zest, and bittersweet herbs layered over a dry gin base. Deeper notes of licorice, cinnamon, cocoa, and ginseng add earthy complexity.

How does Pimm's No. 1 compare to Aperol? Both are lower-ABV bitter liqueurs used in spritz-style drinks, but Pimm's is gin-based with a more herbaceous, tea-like character, while Aperol is a straightforward bitter with a sweeter, more overtly orange-forward profile at 11% ABV. Pimm's carries greater botanical depth and a drier finish.

Is Pimm's No. 1 good for cocktails? Pimm's No. 1 was designed to be mixed — the classic Pimm's Cup is one of the world's most recognized warm-weather cocktails. Its 25% ABV and complex botanical profile make it exceptionally versatile in long drinks, spritzes, and punches.

Where is Pimm's No. 1 made? Pimm's No. 1 is produced in England and has been associated with London since James Pimm first created it at his oyster bar in the 1840s. It is currently produced by Diageo, the multinational spirits company headquartered in London.

What foods pair well with Pimm's No. 1? Cucumber sandwiches and other light tea-time fare complement the herbal, citrus character. Smoked salmon canapés mirror the botanical complexity. Fresh strawberries and cream echo the fruit notes in the classic Pimm's Cup. Grilled prawns with lemon work well against the juniper backbone. Aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the bittersweet profile.

What sizes does Pimm's No. 1 come in? The standard retail size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Pimm's No. 1 worth the price? Pimm's No. 1 positions as an affordable, entry-level liqueur with remarkable versatility — a single bottle yields many servings given the typical mixing ratio of one part Pimm's to three parts mixer, making it strong value for entertaining.

Why Pimm's No. 1?

Few spirits carry as much cultural weight per unit of alcohol as Pimm's No. 1. Its recipe — fragmented among six custodians as a security measure — has remained essentially unchanged since the 1840s, a longevity that speaks to the balance James Pimm originally achieved. At 25% ABV, it occupies a rare middle ground between full-strength spirits and lower-proof aperitifs, delivering genuine botanical depth without overwhelming a long drink. For anyone building a well-rounded home bar or planning warm-weather entertaining, Pimm's No. 1 remains a category unto itself — the original English fruit cup, and still the benchmark.