Are you familiar with the Pimm’s Cup? If not, let me introduce you. A traditional Pimm’s Cup is roughly 1 measure of Pimm’s to 2-3 measures of lemonade, lemon soda or ginger ale mixed together and served over ice.
Wedges of fruit like orange, lemon, and cucumb\r are added to the cup for a fruity refreshing summer cocktail.
What is Pimms?
Pimm’s No. 1 is a spicy-sweet gin-based British liqueur. Why #1? Because there used to be numbers 2 – 6 as well, based on whiskey, rum, brandy and vodka.
Citrusy and bitter at the same time, Pimm’s No. 1 is a classic liquor choice in the UK and has become popular over the past few years in the United States.
I tried it for the first time a couple years ago and was intrigued by the singular taste. Pimm’s is often sipped in the form of a cocktail called the Pimm’s Cup. If you haven’t tried one before you’re in for a treat.
Pimm’s Cup Recipe
The Pimm’s cup is a simple but versatile drink. The garnish is where you can really add a variety of other light flavors.
I’ve experimented with quite a few variations on the traditional Pimm’s Cup recipe since first trying it. My favorite combination so far is ⅓ pimms, 2/3 ginger ale, with cucumber, orange, and mint.
Did you know that when you slap a leaf before using it as garnish it releases more oil and fragrance? I love the difference it makes; you get the fragrance before tasting it.
Lemonade Pimm’s Cups are also delicious too but I happen to love the spicy ginger ale flavor combined with the refreshing cucumber and tangy orange flavor. The slices of green and orange look so pretty swirling around in the glass too!
Strawberries are also a beautiful addition to a Pimm’s Cup but they don’t provide a flavor as much as a different look. Pick up a bottle of Pimm’s No. 1 and feel free to play with the flavors here to find your favorite Pimm’s Cup combination.
Making a Pimm’s Cup is as easy as can be. Simply shake the Pimm’s No. 1 with ginger ale (or lemonade or lemon soda) and strain the drink into a glass filled with ice. Add a long thin slice of cucumber, a couple of thin orange slices and mint leaves before serving and sipping. If you like, you can muddle the cucumber and orange in the bottom of the glass before you add the ice.
Did you know that when you slap a mint leaf between your hands before using it as garnish it releases more fragrance? Slapping the mint leaf releases the minty oils inside the leaf and I I love the difference it makes. Every time you take a sip of your drink you get the fragrance of the mint before tasting it which really enhances the experience.
If you’re looking for something a little different for your next celebration, the Pimm’s Royal Cup is made by mixing Pimm’s with champagne or sparkling white wine. I haven’t tried it myself, but if you do, let me know how you like it.
Cocktail Recipes
There’s nothing better on a hot summer night than a refreshing cocktail. Another citrusy and smooth cocktail I love in the warm months is this Whiskey Smash, especially on those occasions when I have a few friends over!
This St. Germaine Dillinger Cocktail is one of my favorite gin drinks (though you can use vodka as well) with a sweet flavor and floral finish. If you’re a fan of gin based cocktails and looking for something else a little more adventurous than a standard G&T but not as fruity as a Pimm’s Cup, this St. Germaine Gin & Tonic recipe just might be for you.
And if the ginger ale in this Pimm’s Cup recipe makes you happy, I can bet you’ll be just as excited to grab a bottle of ginger beer and mix up a Moscow Mule on a relaxed weekend evening.
What’s your favorite summertime cocktail?
The Pimm’s Cup
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces Pimm's No. 1
- 3 ounces ginger ale lemon soda or lemonade
- long thin slice of cucumber
- 1-2 thin orange slices
- 1-2 mint leaves
- Ice
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice and then pour in the Pimm's and the ginger ale. Shake until chilled and then strain over a full glass of ice. Garnish with cucumber and orange slices. (Sometimes I muddle the cucumber and orange in the bottom of the glass before adding the ice.) Slap the mint leaf between your hands and then add it to your drink. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Monet says
I didn't know that trick about slapping the leaf. Brilliant. Thank you for sharing. What a lovely cup of deliciousness. I hope you have a good end to your week and an even more blessed weekend.
Tricia Buice says
It's five o'clock somewhere! Let's have a lunchtime drink together 🙂 Thanks for the great info. I've never tried this but will look next time I get to the store 🙂
Anonymous says
A friend mentioned this to me about a year ago, I bought a bottle, and drank it mixed mainly with ginger ale. It was quite good. He is English, and prefers it mixed with Champagne, which is about the only thing he likes that is French.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
What an interesting drink, Mary! Its picture can make anyone thirsty…Wishing you a sunny, fun weekend!!
Christie Daruwalla says
I came over looking for your chipotle chicken recipe but we love Pimms. I was so excited to see this recipe. It is so rare to see that anyone knows about Pimms in the US anyway. Love it!
BadKittenOnARampage says
I live in New Orleans and this is one of our traditional cocktails . . . Napoleon House in the French Quarter makes the best ones!
Melissa says
Pimms Cup ( Royal)is the he only Pimms Cum I have ever had! First time, 30 years ago at a high goal polo match. Delicious!
Marcia Lisle says
British friends introduced us to this bit of heaven 50 years ago. We reacquainted our selves while cruising last spring. Strawberry Pimms is a little sweeter and equally delicious
Gina says
Excellent Pimn’s recipe! It’s my go-to version now .
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipe, Gina.