Pimm's Cup Cocktail Recipe

Pimm's Cup Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:16g

Alcohol:6%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Pimm's Cup cocktail has a rich history dating back to the 1800s in London. It was created by James Pimm, the owner of an oyster bar, who wanted to offer his customers a refreshing and light drink. The Pimm's Cup quickly gained popularity and became a staple at British social events, such as Wimbledon and garden parties.

  • The original Pimm's No. 1 Cup was a gin-based liqueur
  • Pimm's No. 2 through No. 6 were created using different spirits, but only No. 1 remains popular today
  • The Pimm's Cup is often associated with British summertime and outdoor events

How Pimm's Cup Tastes?

The Pimm's Cup is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the Pimm's No. 1. It has a light and crisp taste, perfect for warm summer days.

Interesting facts about Pimm's Cup

  • The Pimm's Cup is the official drink of Wimbledon, where over 300,000 glasses are served each year
  • Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based liqueur infused with various herbs, spices, and fruits
  • The Pimm's Cup is often served in a tall glass with plenty of ice, fruit, and garnishes

Ingredients

A few good options for Pimm's Cup are:

  • Brockmans
  • Silent Pool Gin
  • Hendrick's Gin

Learn everything on which Gin to choose

Pimm's No. 1

The heart of the cocktail, Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based liqueur with a spiced fruit flavor that gives the drink its distinct character. If we skimped here, the whole cocktail would feel like an empty suit without its dapper tie. No Pimm's, no Pimm's Cup!

Mary Mitkina

Lemonade or Ginger Ale

This adds a sweet, bubbly contrast that tickles your taste buds without overpowering them. Too much and you're in soda territory, too little and your cocktail is in no man's land of flavors.

Alex Green

Cucumber slices

Fresh, crisp cucumber gives a coolness that plays hide and seek with the warmth of the Pimm's—skip it and you miss out on a quintessential summer breeze in your glass.

Emma Rose

Mint leaves

Mint is like your cocktail's fresh breath of air, invigorating each sip with a green zing. Forgo the mint and your cocktail might start to yawn.

Mary Mitkina

Strawberries

Berries add a whisper of sweetness and a pop of color; it's like the cherry on top, but if the cherry was a strawberry and the top was a Pimm's Cup.

Alex Green

Orange slices

The citrus notes provide a tangy backbeat, setting the rhythm for all the other flavors to dance to. Remove the orange and the dance floor gets a little lonely.

Emma Rose

Ice cubes

These keep the drink colder, longer. No ice is like summer without a pool—just a hot mess.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Pimm's Cup Drink

  1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes
  2. Add 2 oz of Pimm's No. 1 to the glass
  3. Top with 4 oz of lemonade or ginger ale
  4. Stir gently to mix the ingredients
  5. Add cucumber slices, mint leaves, strawberries, and orange slices to the glass
  6. Stir gently again to incorporate the garnishes
  7. Serve with a straw and enjoy!

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best taste
  • Chill the glass before serving for a refreshing experience
  • Stir gently to avoid diluting the cocktail too much

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese Platters: A selection of mild cheeses like Brie or Cheddar pairs well with the fruity notes of a Pimm's Cup.
  • Sandwiches: Light sandwiches, especially cucumber or smoked salmon, complement the refreshing quality of the drink.
  • Grilled Seafood: Lemon- or herb-infused seafood, like grilled prawns, harmonizes with the cocktail's citrusy profile.

Barbecue

  • BBQ Chicken: The sweet glaze on barbecued chicken is balanced by the Pimm's herbaceousness.
  • Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies with a bit of earthiness can stand up to the complexity of the Pimm's Cup.

Desserts

  • Fruit Tarts: Fresh fruit desserts match the fresh fruit garnishes of the cocktail.
  • Lemon Sorbet: The zesty, cool flavor of lemon sorbet offers a palate-cleansing freshness that goes well with the Pimm's Cup.

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What you could change in Pimm's Cup

  • Pimm's No. 1: Can be replaced with any fruit-infused gin
  • Lemonade or Ginger Ale: Can be replaced with any citrus-based soda
  • Cucumber slices, Mint leaves, Strawberries, Orange slices: Can be replaced with any fresh fruits or herbs of your choice

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Cucumber-Mint Sparkler

  • Ingredients: Pimm's No. 1: 2 oz, Club Soda: 4 oz, Muddled Cucumber and Mint
  • Recipe:
    1. Muddle fresh cucumber and mint leaves at the bottom of a glass.
    2. Fill with ice, add Pimm's, and top with club soda.
    3. Stir gently to combine. This twist lightens the drink even further and adds an extra fizz that makes for a more pronounced sparkling sensation, perfect for those who want a little less sweetness.

Pimm's Cup Royale

  • Ingredients: Pimm's No. 1: 2 oz, Champagne: 3 oz, Assorted Berries
  • Recipe:
    1. Fill a flute glass with Pimm's and top with Champagne.
    2. Garnish with fresh berries. This luxurious twist trades the soft fizz for a posh pop, making you feel like you're at a garden party thrown by the Queen herself.

Spiced Pimm's Cup

  • Ingredients: Pimm's No. 1: 2 oz, Ginger Beer: 4 oz, Dash of Cinnamon, Apple Slices
  • Recipe:
    1. Fill a glass with ice, add Pimm's, and pour ginger beer on top.
    2. Add a dash of cinnamon and garnish with apple slices. Spicy ginger beer and a hint of cinnamon give this version a warm depth, ideal for when the sun sets and the evening chill sets in.

In case you forgot basics how to make Pimm's Cup

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Pimm's Cup

What other events serve Pimm's Cup as their official drink?

Apart from Wimbledon, Pimm's Cup is also frequently served at the Henley Royal Regatta, a prestigious rowing event in the UK.

Can the Pimm's Cup be made in advance for parties or gatherings?

Yes, the Pimm's Cup can be pre-made in large quantities, making it a great option for parties and gatherings. However, it's recommended to add the soda and garnishes just before serving to maintain freshness and fizz.

How can I tell if my Pimm's No. 1 has gone bad?

Pimm's No. 1 is a liqueur and thus has a long shelf life. However, if it smells off or the taste has significantly diminished, it may be best to replace it.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of Pimm's Cup?

There's no direct non-alcoholic equivalent to Pimm's No. 1, but you can create a similar base using a mix of non-alcoholic gin and various fruit, herb, and spice infusions.

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