Give happy hour a refreshing upgrade with this quick and easy recipe for a gin-based beverage that’s light, fruity, and ever so British!
I first encountered a Pimm’s cup in New Orleans. I visited the city in the off-season, late fall, to avoid the raucous crowds and get a better sense of its history and culture. The light, refreshing beverage dovetailed beautifully with the mild weather and historic setting. I assumed the drink had French roots, so the discovery that Pimm’s is a solidly British liqueur surprised me. The bartender told me his first Pimm’s cup was at Wimbledon, giving it further stature in my mind. This Pimm’s cup cocktail recipe pays tribute to that trip, that bartender, and the universal love of a fruity beverage on a summer day.
I love the little bit of fizz that sparkling lemonade brings to this drink. I’m told the Brits prefer their lemonade with a bit of carbonation, so a lemon-lime soda will work just as well if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
But don’t skimp on the fruit! The cucumber, orange, and strawberry slices infuse the cup with subtle notes of sweetness and tartness, while the fresh mint brings in softly herbaceous notes. They combine to fill each sip with the bright promise of a warm, sunny afternoon.
The Pimm’s origin story
Pimm’s No. 1 is more than a quintessentially British gin-based liqueur. It’s a symbol of warm-weather hospitality that’s rooted in Victorian ingenuity and celebrated at summer gatherings worldwide.
James Pimm was a shellfish-monger and restaurateur who developed the liqueur around 1840 as a digestive aid for patrons of his London oyster bar. He blended gin, quinine, and an undisclosed mixture of herbs, fruits, and spices in a tankard called the “No. 1 Cup.” His concoction quickly gained popularity for its vibrant flavor and versatility.
The commercial success of Pimm’s No. 1 led to the launch of additional “cups” based on other spirits—whisky, brandy, rum, and vodka—but only the gin-based version has stood the test of time. And the liqueur’s recipe remains a closely guarded secret, known only by a handful of people.
How do I store leftovers?
A Pimm’s cup cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, as the carbonated mixer will go flat quickly. But you can store leftovers—sans ice and garnish—in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, pour over fresh ice and add a splash of new soda and freshly sliced garnishes. This drink does not freeze well.
Serving suggestions
Serve your Pimm’s cup cocktail alongside light, summery fare. A Japanese Egg Sandwich makes a perfectly elegant lunch pairing with the drink, as does a Salade Niçoise. This cocktail also complements fruity desserts, like Strawberry Delight, and classic sweets from the Crescent City, like this Beignet Recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Pimm's No.1
- 3-4 ounces sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime soda or a mix of fresh lemon juice and soda water
- 1-2 cucumber slices
- Strawberry slices for garnish
- Orange slices for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the Pimm's No.1.
- Top with sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with a slices of cucumber, strawberry, and orange, and fresh mint leaves.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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