Pimm's Cup

When I’m looking for an extra-refreshing, low-ABV summer cocktail, I always reach for a Pimm’s Cup. This quintessentially British drink features lemonade (though maybe not the kind you’re familiar with, see below), a gin-based liqueur called Pimm’s, and an almost absurd amount of fruit and veg for garnish. It’s bright, fizzy, and looks like summer in a glass.
The Pimm’s Cup practically made the famed Napoleon House in New Orleans’ French Quarter famous, and has been the signature drink of Wimbledon since the 1970s. Even the late Queen Elizabeth rang in "Pimm’s O’Clock" at Buckingham Palace picnics! Read on for more on its origins, and how to make yourself an incredible one at home.

What Is A Pimm’s Cup?

The Pimm’s Cup gets its name from the herbaceous liqueur used as the base of the drink. In the mid-19th century, oyster bar owner James Pimm first invented his signature blend of gin, herbs, and quinine (the same ingredient used to make tonic water). Like with many liqueurs, Pimm’s was originally created as a medicinal tonic to solve digestive issues and stave off malaria. But at Pimm’s oyster bar in London, it was also the star ingredient of the “house cup”—a style of British punch that would evolve into the Pimm’s Cup we know today.

Pimm soon began bottling and selling the liqueur, which took the cocktail from a local legend to an international icon. Now people everywhere can celebrate summer with Pimm’s. The most common place to spot the cocktail, however, is at the Wimbledon tennis tournament. The first Pimm’s bar opened at the 1971 tournament—now nearly 80,000 Pimm’s Cups (!!) are served at Wimbledon every year.

How To Make A Pimm’s Cup

INGREDIENTS

• Persian Cucumber: You could use a regular cucumber here, though I’d recommend you peel off most of its tougher skin, but I prefer a Persian for its mild flavor and thin skin. You'll have leftover if you're just making one drink—use it to make my cucumber salad.
• Strawberry: These berries add color and a little sweet-tart flavor to the drink, but you could try and replace with other berries if you like.
• Lemon Slices: These help add the citrus-y flavor this drink is known for.
• Orange Slices: Pimm’s itself has citrus undertones, and this helps make them stand out even further.
• Pimm’s No. 1: This gin-based liquor was the original Pimm’s, and though they’ve made other options based on other spirits (Pimm’s 2-6), this is the one that has most stood the test of time.
• Fresh Lemon Juice & Ginger Ale: The classic British recipe calls for Pimm’s and lemonade—but our lemonade is different from the one enjoyed across the pond. English lemonade is more of a carbonated lemon soda. American lemon lime sodas like Sprite or 7UP are a bit too sweet to be a proper substitute, so ginger ale is a more common stateside swap. But to add that refreshing citrus flavor, our recipe supplements the bubbles with some fresh lemon juice.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

• To make a Pimm’s Cup, start by prepping your cucumber and fruit. Use a vegetable peeler (my favorite is the Kuhn Rikon Swiss Y-peeler), peel one long strip off your cucumber from end to end. Curl it into your glass, pressing it lightly so it sticks to the glass. Slice one strawberry however you like, and take two slices each from your lemon and orange—place them all into the glass as well, then top with ice.
• Pour in your Pimm’s and lemon juice, then stir with a long spoon until the outside of the glass feels very cold to the touch.
• Top off with your ginger ale and mint, and enjoy!

Full list of ingredients and directions can be found in the recipe below.

Recipe Tip

This recipe makes enough for one serving, but you can absolutely adjust it to make a large batch for your next party. In fact, why not set up an entire Pimm’s Cup station? All you have to do is slice some extra fruit and pre-mix a pitcher of Pimm’s and lemon juice following the same ratio listed below. From there, your guests can fill their own glasses with ice, fruit, and the Pimm’s mixture before topping it off with ginger ale.

Make-Ahead

If you want prep to get ahead of making a big batch of Pimm’s Cups, may I suggest slicing your fruit the day before? Store it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use. You can also combine your Pimm’s and lemon juice 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add it directly to your fruit-filled glass(es).