Looking for a great cocktail that is easy to make and perfect to cool down with? The classic Pimms Cup cocktail is light, crisp, slightly sweet, fizzy and so delicious – a summer classic.

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Gin & Lemonade Cocktail

Pimm’s is a gin-based fruit liqueur that is incredibly popular in England (especially southern England), that has a dark reddish color and an herbal flavor with notes of citrus. Pimm’s was established in 1823, when the owner of an oyster bar (named Pimm) created a tonic he’d serve out of a “Numer 1 cup” that helped to aid in digestion – and the Pimm’s Cup was born!

Pimm’s Cups are the unofficial drink of Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show – a classic London cocktail for their short summer season – that is often mixed with British-style lemonade (lemon-lime soda, like Sprite) citrus, fruit garnishes, cucumber, and mint or other herbs.

Note on lemonade: we’re going to be calling Sprite lemonade in this recipe. One thing that surprised me about traveling to Europe is that when you order lemonade, you’re often served a fizzy lemon soda – not the lemon and sugar drink Americans think of when we’re thinking lemonade. So when referring to lemonade below, think Sprite.

Check out my web story about these delicious Pimm’s Cup cocktails.

How to Make a Pimms Cup

To make a Pimm’s Cup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Cucumber (1) – Thinly sliced cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing flavor and a touch of elegance to the Pimm’s Cup.
• Juice of lemon (1) – The fresh squeeze of lemon juice brings a bright, tangy contrast that enhances the cocktail’s complexity.
• Pimms (4 oz) – As the star ingredient, Pimm’s No. 1 provides a spicy, fruity base that defines the cocktail’s unique character.
• Sprite (8 oz) – Sprite introduces a sweet, lemon-lime effervescence, adding a lively sparkle and subtle sweetness to the mix.
• Mint or basil – Fresh mint or basil leaves contribute a cool, aromatic freshness, complementing the drink’s fruity and herbal notes.
• Ice – Ice keeps the cocktail chilled and refreshing, crucial for savoring the Pimm’s Cup on a warm day.

Use this Method

• Slice cucumber. I like to remove part of the peel from a cucumber before slicing for a bit of extra decorative flair – entirely optional, but it only takes a few seconds and can make a great impact!
• Add ice and lightly muddled mint or basil to glass. Add ice to a glass, along with mint or basil sprigs. Press back of spoon against herbs in glass to lightly release aroma.
• Pour pimms. Add pimms, swirling over herbs and ice as you pour.
• Top with lemonade. Use Sprite, 7-up, or other lemon lime soda (British-style lemonade) to top the glass.
• Stir to mix. Make sure your pimms and lemon lime soda mix well. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks to a Perfect Pimms Cup

Use other herbs. Mint is traditional for Pimms Cups, but you can use basil, as we have, thyme, rosemary – whatever you have fresh or love the flavor of.

Mix in fruit. Fresh berries, slices of citrus, pomegranate arils all make amazing additions to a Pimms Cup.

Use ginger ale. Try this recipe with ginger ale instead of Pimms.

Make a Glasgow Garden Party. Try this drink with my husband’s favorite soda, Irn Bru, the Scottish favorite fizzy drink!

Use High-Quality Pimm’s No. 1: The base of your cocktail, Pimm’s No. 1, is a gin-based liqueur, and using a high-quality brand ensures the best flavor foundation.

Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, including the Pimm’s, mixers, and garnishes, are well-chilled before assembling to serve a refreshing cocktail.

Balance Your Mixers: A classic Pimm’s Cup is often mixed with lemonade (the clear, sparkling kind commonly found in the UK) and a splash of ginger ale. Adjust the balance to suit your taste; some prefer more lemonade for sweetness, while others enjoy the spice of ginger ale.

Generous with Garnishes: Pimm’s Cup is famous for its extravagant garnishes. Don’t skimp on the cucumber, mint, orange, strawberries, and even edible flowers to create a visually stunning and flavorful experience.

Muddle Some Ingredients: Gently muddle the mint leaves and some of the softer fruits like strawberries before adding them to the drink to release their essential oils and juices, enhancing the cocktail’s flavor profile.

Consider the Ice: Use large ice cubes or ice spheres that melt slowly to keep your cocktail cold without diluting it too quickly.

Experiment with Proportions: While there’s a classic recipe, Pimm’s Cup is very adaptable. Play with the proportions of Pimm’s, mixers, and garnishes to find your perfect combination.

Serve in the Right Glass: A highball glass is traditional, but Pimm’s Cups can also be served in mason jars or wine glasses for a more casual or decorative look.

Add a Fizzy Top: A splash of soda water can add a refreshing effervescence to your Pimm’s Cup, lightening the drink.

Prep for a Crowd: Pimm’s Cup is an excellent cocktail for batching ahead of time. Mix a large batch of the base and add your fizzy components and ice just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

FAQs

What to Enjoy with Pimms Cocktail

Cucumber Sandwiches: Delicate and refreshing, these pair perfectly with the crispness of a Pimm’s Cup.

Strawberry and Cream: A classic British treat that complements the fruity notes of the cocktail.

Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to creamy brie, offers a delightful contrast to the herbal flavors.

Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream: The sweetness of the scones balances the slight bitterness of the Pimm’s Cup.

Smoked Salmon Canapés: Their rich flavor is a great match for the light and refreshing cocktail.

Chicken Salad: A light, creamy chicken salad with grapes or apples pairs well with the botanicals in Pimm’s. Or mix it up with a Thai Chicken Salad.

Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers echo the fruit garnishes typically found in a Pimm’s Cup.

Mini Quiches: The buttery crust and savory filling contrast nicely with the refreshing cocktail.

Caprese Salad Bites: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a fresh complement. Try this pesto caprese salad!

Charcuterie Board: A selection of cured meats, olives, and nuts pairs well with the complexity of the drink.

If you love this drink, be sure to try our Easy Frozen Gin and Tonic, a delicious and lightly sweet Pear and Gin Fizz Cocktail, a delicious Easy Peach Margarita!

Find more of our favorite easy drinks recipes here:

Spooky Halloween Punch Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Punch

Grapefruit Gin Fizz

Strawberry Mint Mojito Mocktail

Gingerbread Martini

Raspberry Champagne Sparkler

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