Discover the Charm of Timms Summer Cup
As the producer of Tack Room Distillery’s Timms Summer Cup, I’m thrilled to share with you the perfect drink to brighten your summer days. Inspired by the classic British Pimm’s Cup, our Timms Summer Cup offers a delightful twist on this iconic beverage.
The Pimm’s Cup is a British drink consisting of a gin-based liqueur (Pimm’s No. 1 Cup) mixed with sparkling lemonade or ginger ale. Traditionally served in a highball glass with ice, assorted fruits, and mint, it falls under the “Summer Cup” or “Fruit Cup” category and is considered one of the first premixed cocktails of its time.
This sweet libation is now a national favourite and the signature drink of the Wimbledon tennis tournament, where the first Pimm’s bar opened in 1971. It’s widely enjoyed across Britain during the summer months and has been a staple at wedding receptions, which is where I found my inspiration for Timms.
I first created my recipe as a welcome drink for my good friend’s wedding, and it was such a hit that I began producing it for family and friends. Due to the overwhelming demand, I decided to share this delightful drink with the world as part of the Tack Room Distillery family.
A Brief History of Pimm’s Cup
Pimm’s was first produced in 1823 by James Pimm, the owner of a London oyster bar near the Bank of England. He invented the drink sometime between 1823 and 1840. The original version featured gin, quinine, and various herbs to aid digestion. It was served in a small tankard known as the “No. 1 Cup,” which inspired the name “Pimm’s No. 1 Cup.”
In 1851, Pimm’s No. 2 Cup (Scotch whisky) and Pimm’s No. 3 Cup (brandy) were introduced. The distillery began large-scale production in 1859 to keep up with sales. In 1865, Pimm sold the business to Frederick Sawyer. In 1880, Horatio Davies, a future Lord Mayor of London, acquired the business, franchising a chain of Pimm’s Oyster Houses in 1887.
Over the years, Pimm’s expanded their range, using other spirits as bases for new “cups.” After World War II, Pimm’s No. 4 Cup (dark rum), Pimm’s No. 5 Cup (rye whisky), and Pimm’s No. 6 Cup (vodka) were introduced.
The brand faced challenges in the 1970s and 1980s. The Oyster House chain was sold, and Pimm’s Cup products Nos. 2 to 5 were phased out due to reduced demand. In 1986, The Distillers Company was purchased by Guinness PLC, and Pimm’s became part of Diageo when Guinness and Grand Metropolitan merged in 1997. In 2004, Pimm’s introduced Pimm’s Winter Cup, based on Pimm’s No. 3 Cup, infused with spices and orange peel.
The discontinued No. 6 Vodka Cup was reinstated in 2015 following a successful campaign by enthusiastic Vodka Cup drinkers.
Introducing Timms Summer Cup
Our Timms Summer Cup captures the essence of this classic drink with a unique flair with subtle hints of spice and citrus. Enjoy it with sparkling lemonade, fresh strawberries, mint, and cucumber in the summer, (known as English-Style). Alternatively, have a Timm’s Royal Cup when you mix it with Champagne (or other sparkling wines). Or for the winter months why mix it with warm apple juice with a hint of cinnamon and ginger for hot toddies, it’s a versatile beverage for all seasons.
Ready to elevate your summer experience? Pick up your bottle of Timms Summer Cup and savour the refreshing taste that embodies the spirit of summer. Cheers to making every moment special with Tack Room Distillery!
Why not pick up your bottle here and enjoy your summer with Timms Summer Cup?