Fruit cups

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

  • Fruit or Summer Cups are traditionally an English specialty drink designed to be made into a long drink with addition of a soft drink such lemonade or ginger ale. Most commonly gin based although there are some varieties based on other spirits such as vodka. The base gin is then flavoured with various herbs, spices fruit and botanicals as well as its strength reduced. Fruit cups are typically marketed for the summer months although many are now available all year round. Most fruit cup producers suggest adding fruit as a garnish to the drink and to improve the flavour, recommendations include: Apple, Orange, Strawberry, Lemon, Lime, Cucumber, Mint and Borage leaves.

A list of summer or fruit cups currently available:

  • Austen's

A fruit flavour aromatised wine, available in 70cl bottles at 21.9% ABV, it is a blend of wine, grain spirit and fruit flavour and is packed and distributed by Aldi. Austen's logo features a chap in bow-tie, top hat and monocle.

  • Pimm's Fruit Cup

Pimms No.1 is a gin based drink invented by James Pimms, at 25% ABV, At one time Pimms No. 2-6 based on Scotch Whisky, Brandy, Rum, Rye and Vodka respectively existed although only No.1, a variant of 3 and No.6 survive as of 2007.

  • Plymouth Fruit Cup

Launched in 2003 and produced by the makers of Plymouth Gin, it is one of the strongest fruit cups at 30% ABV, Plymouth state this gives it a fuller flavour. It is the result of the base of Plymouth Gin being mixed with fruit liquers, vermouths, aromatic bitters and citrus extracts.

  • Stone's Summer Cup

Introduced in 2006, produced by the same makers of Stone's Ginger wine it is based on a traditional recipe and retains a traditional ginger note. Available in 70cl bottles with a strength of 13.5% ABV.

Official Stone's Summer Cup Webpage

Official Plymouth Gin Webpage title

Official Pimms Website title