Enjoying a Pimm's Cup

Pimm's is a brand of distilled spirits created in 1823 as one of the "original health drinks." At one time there were six Pimm's, one made with each base liquor and numbered accordingly, but only the gin-based Pimm's No. 1 is still widely available and Pimm's No. 6 (vodka-based) is supposedly still produced in limited quantities. Trying to find any of the others is a challenge but if you look hard enough you may find a "vintage" bottle around. If you'd like to try your hand at reproducing Pimm's, a close replica can be formed by mixing one part each gin and sweet vermouth, and half part triple sec. And while that is close, it's not the same as the original. The key drink for Pimm's is none other than the Pimm's Cup (easy enough to remember), a refreshing drink of lemonade, Pimm's and a cucumber garnish. Or you can try the Pimm's Royale with Champagne, a Pimm's Sundowner with tonic replacing the lemonade, or the Pimm's Rangoon in which gingerale is the main mixer.