James Pimm was a fishmonger from London and the owner of a chain of oyster houses in the 1800s. Sometime between 1823 and 1840 he invented a drink to help digestion. A mixture of gin, quinine and herbs that he named after himself and served in a cup, hence the name Pimm’s Cup. The drink became so popular it was commercialized in 1865 and sold throughout the British Empire as Pimm’s No. 1. Alongside the gin based No. 1 a number of other versions were created. No. 2 with Scotch whisky, No 3 with Brandy, No. 4 with rum, No. 5 with rye and No. 6 with vodka.

Since 1971 the Pimm’s Cup has been the signature drink at Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, where each year 300,000 Pimm’s Cups are served.

The Tank Highball glass was designed by the British designer Tom Dixon in 2014.

Pimm’s Cup

1 Pimm’s No. 1

3 Lemon soda

Pour Pimm’s No1 over ice into a highball glass. Add Lemon soda and stir gently. Garnish with a mint sprig, a cucumber slice and a strawberry.