Pimm’s Winter Cup – Culinary Ginger

The Pimm’s Cup is synonymous with summer, but let me introduce you to the Pimm’s Winter Cup. Perfect for the colder months, it warms you from the inside out. This delicious winter drink combines infused apple juice with caramel, orange slices and cinnamon sticks, capturing the essence of British style.

I originally created this Pimm’s Cup Hot Cocktail in 2016 and have now updated it with some new details. This warm, comforting toddy is perfect for all those chilly evenings and holiday gatherings around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ingredients

• Apple juice
• Caramel sauce
• Orange
• Cinnamon sticks
• Pimm’s Liqueur
• Apple and orange slices for garnish

What is Pimm’s?

Pimm’s is a classic British liqueur and an essential part of traditional English summer drinking culture. London bar owner James Pimm created it in 1823 and initially sold it as a digestive aid. Pimm’s No. 1 Cup blends gin with herbs, spices and fruit extracts to create its distinctive, slightly spicy citrus flavor.

Summer Pimm’s Cup

The traditional Pimm’s Cup (also called No. 1 Cup) mixes Pimm’s with lemonade or ginger ale and is topped with lots of fresh fruit. It’s the perfect summer drink: light, refreshing and designed for sunny afternoons. (Pictured below.)

Winter Pimm’s Cup

Pimm’s offers its own warming winter version called Mulled Pimm’s. It’s made with cloudy apple juice, lemon juice, cinnamon and star anise, an inviting and seasonal take on the classic.

Varieties of Pimm

Over the years, several varieties have been used to create classic cocktails. Most of them are no longer produced, it is now common to make all Cup cocktails with the number 1.

In addition to today’s popular #1, they once offered bottles up to #6. However, these versions were discontinued, leaving #1 as the only one available.

Pimm varieties (historical list):

• Pimm’s No. 1 – Gin-based liqueur (used for summer fruit cups made with lemonade or ginger ale served in a highball glass)
• Pimm’s n°2 – Scotch whiskey
• Pimm’s No. 3 – Brandy (traditionally used for winter cutting but no longer available)
• Pimm’s n°4 – Rum
• Pimm’s n°5 – Rye whiskey
• Pimm’s n°6 – Vodka

Presentation suggestion

I like to serve this cocktail in a glass mug with simple garnishes: orange slices, apple slices, and a cinnamon stick for a warm and inviting presentation.

If you made my Pimm’s Winter Cup, please leave a star rating in the recipe. If you have a question, you can ask it in the comment box at the bottom of this page.

Janette is a professionally trained chef based in California who channels her passion for cooking into carefully crafted recipes. His culinary creations are inspired by his English heritage as well as his favorite global cuisines, including Indian and Italian. Connect with her on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more delicious inspiration. Learn more about Janette…