Would you fancy a Pimms... Cheers?

By now I'm sure everyone has realized the drink of choice during the summertime in England is in fact, Pimms, as evident by our weekly pre-high table receptions. But what is Pimms? This week, I've decided to do a bit of research into the Oxford drink of choice. Believe it or not, there are six different versions of Pimms. The version most frequently consumed during our receptions is known as Pimms No. 1 cup, which is gin-based (25% alcohol by volume). Pimm's No. 1 is usually combined with Schweppes Original Lemonade, which I've only been able to find in the UK. On each bottle of Schweppes they even place an advertisement recommending Pimm's to be used in combination with their beverage. The concoction that our gracious hosts at Trinity College produce each Monday night is known as "English-style Lemonade." It consists of Pimm's No. 1 combined with a splash of Schweppes Lemonade and is topped of with fresh fruit (usually mint, apples, oranges, and lemon). Pimm's is common is southern England and is a crucial ingredient in two Wimbledon drinks. Based on person experience, they sell Pimm's + Lemonade in Red Bull cans on the trains all across England.

How did Pimm's come about?

Pimm's was created in 1824 by a great man named James Pimm in London. It was originally used as a digestive aid that was served in a chalace known as the "No. 1 cup." This is how Pimm's No. 1, our Pimm's, gained its name. The success of Jame Pimm's concoction subsequently led to a distillery being established expanding the Pimm's enterprise. Ultimately, Pimm's fell on hard times in the 1970's and was bought out by Diageo, which owns brands such as: Guinness, Harp, Red Stripe, Captain Morgan's, Smirnoff, Ciroc (P Diddy's beverage of choice), Jose Cuervo, and Crown Royal among various other brands.

In closing I would like to offer everyone a proper Cheers and hope everyone enjoys the rest of their times here at Oxford. I thought it would be crucial to enlighten everyone on the origin of the drink most commonly served at our receptions.

Cheers!

-Marcus