How To make An Iconic Pimm’s Cup Cocktail

If summer had a signature drink, the Pimm’s Cup would be it. It’s light, bright and almost too easy to drink, like a garden party in a glass.

It’s got that laid-back, sun-soaked vibe that makes you wanna sink into a lawn chair and lose track of time.

This one’s a British classic that you’ll see at Wimbledon or floating around fancy garden parties. But don’t let the posh roots fool you.

It’s just as chill at a backyard BBQ as it is at a riverfront picnic. And the best part? It’s one of those drinks that loves a little personality.

You can toss in whatever’s fresh like strawberries, orange slices, cucumber or mint… the more the merrier.

And even if you’ve never mixed a drink before, this one’s low stress and high reward. It looks fancy, tastes amazing and takes like two minutes to throw together.

What It Is & Why It Works

The Pimm’s Cup is the kind of cocktail that just screams summer. It’s light, fruity and a little herbal, with just enough fizz to keep it refreshing.

Originally from England, it started as a way to sip something strong without feeling like you’re drinking straight liquor. Think of it as a grown-up punch that’s easy to drink and even easier to make.

Why it works? Flexibility. You can throw in whatever fruit you have on hand, switch up the mixers or adjust the sweetness to taste.

The combo of Pimm’s, lemonade and fresh fruit is basically a party in a glass… a little sweet, a little tart, a little bubbly and totally refreshing.

How to Make the Perfect Pimm’s Cup at Home

Want your Pimm’s Cup to taste like it just came off a pub menu? Here’s how to make it happen:

• Chill everything: Keep the Pimm’s, lemonade and glass ice cold so the drink stays crisp.
• Go heavy on the garnish: The more fruit and herbs, the better. Think cucumber, strawberries, orange slices and mint.
• Get the right glass: A tall glass works best. Lots of ice keeps it extra refreshing.
• Add a splash of fizz: Ginger ale or lemon-lime soda adds a little extra sparkle.
• Make a pitcher: This one’s perfect for a crowd. Mix up a big batch and let everyone help themselves.
• Play with the ratio: More Pimm’s if you like it strong, more lemonade if you like it light. Find your perfect balance.

Best Food Pairings for Pimm’s Cup Cocktail

Keep it light and snackable… the Pimm’s Cup has that sweet, herbal vibe that pairs best with summery bites:

Cucumber tea sandwiches: Fresh, crisp and perfectly on theme.

Goat cheese and strawberry crostini: Creamy, tangy and just sweet enough to play off the fruity notes.

Lemon-herb shrimp skewers: Zesty, bright and made to go with all that fresh citrus in the drink.

Cheese board: Soft cheeses, fresh berries and some crunchy crackers. Keep it casual but classy.

Popsicles or sorbet: Something cool and fruity that you can eat or even drop into the glass for a fun twist.

The Perfect Summer Cocktail: Pimm’s Cup

This Pimm’s Cup boasts a refreshing mix of Pimm’s No. 1, crisp lemonade, and a medley of fresh fruits and herbs. It’s light, fruity, and slightly herbal, making it the ideal drink to cool off on a hot day.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Pimm’s No. 1
• 4 ounces Lemonade (or lemon-lime soda)
• Cucumber slices
• Strawberries, sliced
• Orange slices
• Mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Optional: a splash of ginger ale for extra fizz

Zero-proof version: Swap the Pimm’s No. 1 for a botanical soda or iced tea. Keep the lemonade, cucumber and fresh fruit as is. Add a splash of ginger ale for a little extra fizz without the booze.

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Glass: Fill a glass with ice cubes to keep your drink chilled.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Pour the Pimm’s No. 1 over the ice, and then add the lemonade.
3. Add Fruits and Herbs: Toss in the cucumber slices, strawberries, orange slices, and mint leaves. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
4. Optional Fizz: If desired, add a splash of ginger ale for some extra carbonation.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional mint leaves or fruit slices if you like, and enjoy your refreshing Pimm’s Cup!
6. Or alternatively, just make a huge jug of it!

Prep Times

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 1 cocktail
• Calories: 101 kcal (depending on mixers)
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 26g

Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Variations to Try

Wanna switch it up? Here’s how to put a twist on the classic Pimm’s Cup:

Berry Pimm’s Cup: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries for a juicy, fruity kick.

Tropical Pimm’s Cup: Swap the lemonade for pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut soda.

Ginger Pimm’s Cup: Use ginger beer instead of soda for a spicy, zippy vibe.

Herbal Pimm’s Cup: Muddle some basil or rosemary with the fruit for a fresh, earthy note.

Need some more summer cocktails? Why not try a Paloma?

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Yield: 1

Pimm's Cup Cocktail Recipe

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This refreshing Pimm's Cup cocktail is packed with fruit, mint, and fizzy lemonade for the perfect summer sip. Light, fruity, and ideal for entertaining outdoors!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml Pimm's No. 1
• 120 ml Lemonade (or lemon-lime soda)
• Cucumber slices
• Strawberries, sliced
• Orange slices
• Mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Optional: a splash of ginger ale for extra fizz

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Glass: Fill a glass with ice cubes to keep your drink chilled.
2. Mix the Ingredients: Pour the Pimm's No. 1 over the ice, and then add the lemonade.
3. Add Fruits and Herbs: Toss in the cucumber slices, strawberries, orange slices, and mint leaves. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
4. Optional Fizz: If desired, add a splash of ginger ale for some extra carbonation.
5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional mint leaves or fruit slices if you like, and enjoy your refreshing Pimm's Cup!
6. Or alternatively, just make a huge jug of it!

Notes

Zero-proof version: Swap the Pimm’s No. 1 for a botanical soda or iced tea. Keep the lemonade, cucumber and fresh fruit as is. Add a splash of ginger ale for a little extra fizz without the booze.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 101Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 3gSugar: 21gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.