Pimm’s Winter Cup – Culinary Ginger

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

I originally created this warm Pimm’s Cup cocktail in 2016 and have now updated it with a few new details. This comforting hot toddy is perfect for any chilly evening 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 a quintessential part of traditional English summer drinking culture. London bar owner James Pimm created it in 1823 and first sold it as a digestive aid. Pimm’s No. 1 Cup blends gin with herbs, spices, and fruit extracts to create its distinctive, slightly spiced, citrusy flavor.

Summer Pimm’s Cup

The traditional Pimm’s Cup (also called the No. 1 Cup) blends Pimm’s with lemonade or ginger ale and is garnished with plenty of fresh fruit. It’s the perfect summer drink — light, refreshing, and made 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, seasonal twist on the classic

Pimm’s Varieties

Over the years, several varieties have been used to create classic cocktails. Since most of them are no longer produced, it’s now common to make all Cup cocktails with  No. 1.

In addition to today’s popular No. 1, they once offered bottles all the way up to No. 6. However, these versions have been discontinued, leaving No. 1 as the only one available.

Pimm’s 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 No. 2 – Scotch whiskey
• Pimm’s No. 3 – Brandy (traditionally used for the winter cup but not available anymore)
• Pimm’s No. 4 – Rum
• Pimm’s No. 5 – Rye whiskey
• Pimm’s No. 6 – Vodka

Serving 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, inviting presentation.

If you’ve 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 thoughtfully crafted recipes. Her culinary creations are inspired by her English heritage as well as her favorite global cuisines, including Indian and Italian. Connect with her on  Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more delicious inspiration. More About Janette…