Pimm’s first made an appearance back in the early 19th century when it was served by its creator, James Pimm, as a tonic from a tankard to aid digestion at his oyster bar in east London. The classic Pimm’s ‘No. 1 Cup’ recipe is still a gin liqueur-based tipple featuring a secret recipe of herbs and spices, only now it’s usually served with lemonade, a tonne of ice and half a fruit salad as a light, summer punch.
Having a secret recipe has not stopped others from having a go at making their own versions, however. Sometimes, they nail it. Sometimes, it’s a mess and in some cases, it’s even better than the original. Here’s my verdict on the latest Pimm’s-like plonk for all budgets because you know, someone has to do it!
How to serve the perfect Pimm’s
The Pimm’s rule of thumb is one part punch to two parts lemonade or thereabouts, whether you make it by the (highball) glass or jug. Start by filling whatever you’ve chosen with ice, then add fresh wheels of orange, lemon and cucumber with sliced strawberries and a handful of mint. Add the punch and stir before topping up with lemonade when you’re ready to serve it, stirring very gently to keep the bubbles bubbling.
Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
The Original
The original Pimm’s summer punch should be mahogany in colour with aromas of baked strawberry, orange rind, cooking spice and a medicinal herb-like note that finishes with a bitter bite. This is the benchmark bevvy. Now let’s see how the others compare.
Size: 70cl
ABV: 25%
Price: £18.95
Summer Cup (Tesco)
The Frothy One
For the price tag, this is an ‘ok’ copy and it tastes exactly how the bottle looks: a bit simple and thin. This summer cup is more like a sweet, orange cordial and feels like it’s missing something, though it leaves a lot of froth. The simplicity is reflected in the lower price, at least.
Score: 5/10
Size: 70cl
ABV: 25%
Price: £8
Oxford Originals Summer Cup (Morisson’s)
The Low Alcohol One
If you like strawberry ice lollies, the Oxford Originals Summer Cup is for you. Quite a lot sweeter than Pimms, it’s less bitter and spiced but also, lower in alcohol. Despite all this, it’s not unpleasant and is also half the price. Just don’t expect all the fancy flavours!
Score: 6/10
Size: 70cl
ABV: 15%
Price: £6.99
Plymouth Fruit Cup
The Connoisseurs One
Created by the famous Plymouth Gin company, their fruit cup is quite a different animal to Pimm’s. The highest in booze of the lot, it’s got a syrupy texture and lots more blackcurrant and warm spice to it. Make sure you add less lemonade to this one - and you could even try it neat. Pretty good quality, but much more pricey than Pimms.
Score: 7/10
Size: 70cl
ABV: 30%
Price: £19.75
Sipsmith: The Original London Cup
The Fancy One
Very much its own style this one, with plenty of table appeal and a lighter colour in the glass. Think cola cubes and wild strawberry sweets with a bite of bitter bark on the finish and decent weight from the higher alcohol level. If Pimm’s did a posh rosé, this would be it. A great one to gift someone this summer.
Score: 8/10
Size: 1L
ABV: 29.5%
Price: £19.13
The Great Summer Cup (Asda)
The Surprise
I have to say, one look at this inexpensive looking packaging and I was not expecting great things. How wrong I was! Packing a punch (literally) at 21.9%, this is a really tasty summer snifter that’s very similar to Pimm’s, just with a teensy bit more strawberry sweetness and texture. This ‘Great’ summer cup is actually pretty great. You might just want to hide the bottle after you’ve poured it...
Score: 8.5/10
Size: 70cl
ABV: 21.9%
Price: £7.50
Pitchers (Sainsbury’s)
The Identikit
If it’s a pure Pimm’s copy you want, Sainbo’s Pitchers is pretty much identical, taste-wise. For a pound less, 250ml more and a bit lower on the booze (though you can’t tell), it’s a bit of a no brainer. The packaging is also fairly smart too. Big thumbs up.
Score: 9/10
Size: 1L
ABV: 17.5%
Price: £11.70
Austin’s Summer Punch (Aldi)
The Winner
Not identical to Pimm’s but actually better, in my opinion. More layers of flavour, well balanced and bitter with a yummy, yeasty note like baking bread. For half the price, lower alcohol (not that you’d know) and another 250ml to boot, this Austin’s is properly awesome. Well done, Aldi!
Score: 10/10
Size: 1L
ABV: 17.5%
Price: currently unavailable but will hopefully be back this summer!
If you are looking for more quintessentially British drinks, have a read through The Queen has a Gin! or English Sparkling Wine you Have to Try!