Pimm’s Cup – A Beautiful Mess

Pimm’s Cup is the most popular way to enjoy Pimm’s No. 1 Liqueur, a botanical gin-based liqueur. It’s the traditional drink of the Wimbledon tournament and the perfect warm weather drink. Even if you aren’t a tennis fan, you need to try this.

Related: Tom Collins, Mojito, Strawberry Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea, Dark and Stormy, Kalimotxo.

Ingredients

• Pimm’s No. 1 – A gin-based botanical liqueur.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed.
• Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer or Sparkling Lemonade – Choose whichever you prefer. We used ginger ale and the outcome was delicious.
• Optional Garnishes – Cucumber slices, mint sprig, strawberries, lemon wheel or orange wheel. Many Pimm’s Cups are elaborate and garnished with fruit and herbs.

The best glassware choice to serve a Pimm’s Cup is a highball glass.

Instructions

You won’t even need a cocktail shaker to mix up this cocktail. You can build it right in the glass you serve it in.

In the bottom of the glass, muddle mint leaves in the bottom of the glass.

Add ice to the glass, then add lemon juice, Pimm’s No. 1 and ginger ale. Stir gently to combine.

Garnish with cucumber slices, mint sprig, strawberries, lemon wheel or orange wheels.

What does a Pimm’s Cup taste like?

This summer cocktail is refreshing without being too sweet, tart or sour. Botanical flavors mix with sweet ginger ale (or lemonade) and sour lemon juice. Fresh garnishes like cucumber slices and strawberries add to the appeal.

This cocktail is lower in alcohol than many, which makes it a nice option for day drinking. It’s a slow sipping cocktail for summertime.

Tips for Making

• To top off this drink you can choose between ginger ale, ginger beer or sparkling lemonade. Experiment with different options to find the one that fits your preference.
• If you can’t decide between lemonade and ginger ale for your recipe, use both! Many recipes use both to top this famous drink.
• Serve with a straw as the many garnishes can make drinking from the glass a bit cumbersome.

History of Pimm’s Cup

Like so many drinks from this era, the Pimm’s Cup was first created as a health drink in 1840s London. This cocktail was invented by bar owner James Pimm in the 1800s. It is the preferred way to enjoy Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based digestif. 

Though the years, Pimm’s numbers 2 through 6 were created, each featuring a different liqueur base. 2-6 included scotch, whiskey, vodka, rum and brandy. Over time, they have all been discontinued, leaving Pimm’s No. 1, the gin-based liqueur, as the only liqueur to stand the test of time. 

In the United States, the Pimm’s Cup popularity originated in New Orleans at The Napoleon House in the 1940s. It’s still served there today in the French Quarter.

Pimm’s Cup Pitcher Recipe

This makes an excellent pitcher drink. In a pitcher, combine 1.5 cups Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur, 3 cups ginger ale (or 1.5 cups ginger ale and 1.5 cups lemonade) and the fresh lemon juice of one lemon. Garnish the pitcher with various fruits and herbs, or leave them to the side for guests to add to each drink individually.

Serving Suggestions/Goes Great With

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