Pimms Cup Recipe

Refreshing Summer Pimms Cup Recipe: Sip & Smile

Cool summer breezes make a pimms cup the ultimate refreshment for lazy afternoons.

Mixologists have perfected this classic British cocktail with stunning creativity.

Gin-based and bursting with fruity complexity, it captures the essence of relaxed socializing.

Crisp cucumber slices and fresh mint leaves dance alongside bright citrus notes.

Each sip promises a delightful escape from ordinary drinks.

Seasonal fruits add vibrant color and playful depth to this beloved cocktail.

You can easily craft this elegant beverage and impress everyone at your next gathering.

Pimms Cup: Chill and Serve a Second Time

  • Store any leftover Pimm's Cup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness.
  • Remove fresh fruit and mint leaves before storing to prevent wilting and maintain their crisp texture.
  • When ready to enjoy, gently stir the drink to remix ingredients that may have settled during refrigeration.
  • For best taste, prepare a new cocktail with fresh garnishes rather than reusing previous ones, as they will lose their vibrant flavor and appearance.

Fresh Sips For Pimms Cup

  • Elevate Citrus Freshness: Pair the Pimms Cup with light summer salads featuring grilled citrus-marinated shrimp or a zesty Mediterranean quinoa dish to complement its bright, refreshing profile.
  • Enhance Herbal Notes: Serve alongside herb-crusted grilled chicken or a fresh goat cheese and herb tart that echoes the mint garnish and botanical undertones of the Pimm's liqueur.
  • Match British Pub Classics: Accompany the cocktail with traditional fish and chips, where the ginger ale and lemonade base cuts through the crispy battered seafood, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
  • Dessert Harmony: Follow up with a light summer berry pavlova or lemon tart that mirrors the cocktail's fruity garnishes and provides a sweet conclusion to the dining experience.

Classic Cocktail Flavors in Pimms Cup Styles

  • Mocktail Magic: Replace Pimm's with non-alcoholic herbal tea and sparkling water for a refreshing zero-proof version.
  • Citrus Splash: Swap lemonade with fresh grapefruit juice or blood orange juice for a tangier profile.
  • Tropical Transformation: Use coconut water instead of lemonade and add pineapple chunks as garnish for a beach-inspired drink.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute regular lemonade with stevia-sweetened lemonade or sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon for a lighter alternative.

FAQs

  • What is Pimm's No. 1 made from?

Pimm’s No. 1 is a gin-based liqueur created in London, England, with a secret blend of herbs, spices, and fruit extracts that give it a distinctive reddish-brown color and complex flavor profile.

  • Is Pimm's Cup a seasonal drink?

Traditionally, Pimm’s Cup is a quintessential summer cocktail, especially popular in the United Kingdom during outdoor events like Wimbledon tennis championships and garden parties.

  • Can I make a non-alcoholic version of Pimm's Cup?

Yes, you can create a mocktail version by replacing Pimm’s with a mix of fruit juices like cranberry and orange, and adding the same fresh fruit garnishes to maintain the drink’s refreshing character.

  • Why are multiple fruits used as garnishes in a Pimm's Cup?

The variety of fruits (mint, cucumber, orange, strawberry) not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the drink’s flavor complexity, creating a multi-dimensional taste experience with each sip.

Pimms Cup With Light Crisp English Flavor

  • Zero Bartending Skills Required: Mix ingredients in a glass without complex techniques, making it perfect for beginners and casual home entertainers who want a professional-looking drink.
  • Customize Your Cocktail: Dress up the Pimm's Cup with a vibrant array of fresh garnishes like cucumber, mint, and fruits, transforming a simple drink into a stunning visual experience.
  • British Garden Party Classic: Capture the essence of elegant British summer gatherings with this traditional cocktail that screams sophistication and relaxed outdoor enjoyment.

What You’ll Stir into a Pimms Cup

Base Spirits:
  • Pimm's No. 1: A classic British liqueur with a unique herbal flavor, perfect for summer cocktails.
Mixers:
  • Lemonade, Ginger Ale: Refreshing components that balance the spirit's intensity and add light carbonation.
Garnishes:
  • Mint Leaves, Cucumber Slices, Orange Slices, Strawberry: Fresh ingredients that enhance visual appeal and provide complementary flavor notes. Choose ripe, crisp produce for the best presentation and taste.

Pimms Cup Mixing Guide

Step 1: Chill the Glass

Select a tall glass and fill it completely with ice cubes to ensure your Pimms Cup stays refreshingly cool.

Step 2: Pour Pimm’s No.

1

Splash Pimm’s No.

1 over the ice, letting the deep ruby liquid cascade smoothly into the glass.

Step 3: Add Lemonade

Gently pour lemonade into the glass, mixing it with the Pimm’s to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Sparkle with Ginger Ale

Top the drink with a light splash of ginger ale, adding a delightful effervescence to your cocktail.

Step 5: Create a Colorful Garnish

Decorate your Pimms Cup with an array of fresh ingredients:
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Cucumber slices
  • Orange slices
  • Strawberry

Arrange the garnishes artfully on top of the drink to enhance both visual appeal and taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Grab a straw, give the drink a gentle stir, and savor the quintessential British summer cocktail that bursts with refreshing flavors.

Cocktail Tips With Classic Pimms Style

  • Use a tall, frosty glass filled with ice to keep your Pimm's Cup refreshingly cool from first sip to last.
  • Maintain the perfect 2: 4 ratio of Pimm's to lemonade for a harmonious, not-too-strong cocktail that's easy to enjoy.
  • Stack cucumber, orange, and strawberry slices with mint leaves to create a vibrant, Instagram-worthy presentation that adds fresh flavor.
  • Swap ginger ale with sparkling water or tonic for a lighter, less sweet variation that still maintains the drink's crisp character.
  • Slice garnishes in advance and keep chilled, allowing you to quickly assemble multiple Pimm's Cups during summer gatherings.
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Pimms Cup Recipe

Pimms Cup Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Refreshing Pimms Cup cocktails bring British summer charm to life, blending gin-based Pimms No. 1 with zesty citrus and crisp cucumber. Cool garden party vibes invite you to sip this classic English drink that perfectly balances sweet, herbal notes with light, invigorating freshness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Spirits:

  • 2 ounces (60 milliliters) Pimms No. 1 Cup

Mixers:

  • 4 ounces (120 milliliters) lemonade
  • 1 splash ginger ale

Garnishes:

  • 23 fresh mint leaves
  • 23 sliced cucumber rounds
  • 1 sliced orange wheel
  • 1 sliced strawberry
  • Optional 1 lemon wheel
  • Optional 1 orange wheel

Instructions

  1. Chill a tall glass by adding a generous amount of ice cubes, creating a refreshing base for the classic British cocktail.
  2. Gently cascade Pimm’s No. 1 over the ice, allowing the liquid to settle and create a rich foundation.
  3. Pour lemonade into the glass, stirring smoothly to integrate the Pimm’s and create a harmonious blend of flavors.
  4. Crown the cocktail with a light splash of effervescent ginger ale, introducing a subtle sparkle and additional depth.
  5. Artfully arrange a vibrant medley of garnishes: delicate mint leaves, crisp cucumber rounds, zesty orange slices, and a ripe strawberry to elevate the visual appeal and enhance the drink’s aromatic profile.

Notes

  • Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink cooler for longer without diluting the flavors quickly.
  • Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or blood orange for a unique twist on the classic Pimm’s Cup.
  • Use fresh, seasonal produce for garnishes to enhance the drink’s visual appeal and add extra layers of flavor.
  • For a lighter version, substitute diet lemonade or sparkling water to reduce calories while maintaining the signature refreshing taste.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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