Kent-born and Edinburgh-educated, James Pimm had a background in theology, but he decided to open an oyster bar in London. In 1823, he created his namesake liqueur as a digestive, a blend of gin, quinine, and spices—a secret recipe, naturally, that remains closely held.
He didn’t start producing larger quantities of Pimm’s No. 1 Cup until nearly three decades later.
The “No. 1 Cup” in the name actually refers to the vessel out of which Pimm served the drink, but over the years, alternative recipes—made with scotch, brandy, rum, rye, vodka, and even tequila—took on Nos. 2 through 7. A Pimm’s Winter Cup—a spiced version of the brandy-based No. 3—appeared as well. The original, No. 6 (vodka), and the winterized version are still available….