Pimm’s Cup (The Wimbledon Cocktail!)

This Pimm's Cup is the ultimate summer cocktail, and once you make it, you'll understand why it's been the drink of Wimbledon for decades. It's fruity and refreshing, and it comes together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you're hosting a Wimbledon watch party or just need a stunning summer drink, this one delivers every time.

A Pimm's Cup is a classic British cocktail made with Pimm's No. 1, sparkling lemonade, and ginger ale, served over ice with fresh fruit and cucumber. This recipe is for anyone who wants an easy, crowd-pleasing summer drink that looks beautiful and tastes even better. What sets this version apart is the combination of both lemonade and ginger ale, which gives it a subtle spice and extra fizz that makes it completely irresistible. You can make it by the glass or scale it up for a party pitcher.

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You'll love this Pimm's Cup

It's so fun and fruity. The fresh strawberries, orange, and lime make every sip feel like summer in a glass. It's basically a cocktail and a fruit salad in one, and I am not mad about it.

It's easy to make for your Wimbledon watch parties. You can throw this together in five minutes, or make a big batch ahead of time and let everyone serve themselves. Either way, you look like you really have it together.

It's also just a delicious summer drink. No special occasion needed. This is your new warm-weather go-to.

Ingredients

Pimm's No. 1. This is the base of the cocktail and what makes a Pimm's Cup a Pimm's Cup. It's a gin-based British liqueur with notes of citrus, spice, and a touch of bitterness that make it incredibly refreshing over ice.

Sparkling Lemonade. You want something with good fizz here. A bottled sparkling lemonade works perfectly, or you can use lemon soda like Sprite or 7UP in a pinch.

Ginger Ale. This adds a little warmth and spice that takes the drink up a notch. It also adds more bubbles, which is never a bad thing.

Strawberries. Slice them and let them sit in the drink. They get a little boozy and taste amazing.

Oranges. A few orange slices add sweetness and color.

Limes. Lime slices add a bright citrus pop and balance out the sweetness.

Cucumber. This is the most quintessentially British part of the whole thing. Do not skip it. Cucumber in a Pimm's Cup is non-negotiable.

How to make a Pimm's Cup

1. Slice all your fruit and cucumber and add it to a highball glass filled with ice.
2. Pour in 2 oz of Pimm's No. 1.
3. Add 3 oz of sparkling lemonade.
4. Top with 1 oz of ginger ale.
5. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
6. Garnish with extra fruit and a cucumber slice, and serve immediately.

What is Pimm's No. 1?

Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based British liqueur that has been around since 1859. It was created by James Pimm, an English oyster bar owner, and the exact recipe is still a secret. Only six people in the world know how it's made.

In terms of flavor, Pimm's tastes like a fruity, lightly spiced, slightly bitter liqueur. Think of it like a more complex, aromatic gin with citrus and herbal notes. It's lower in alcohol than most spirits (25% ABV), which makes it perfect for a long, refreshing cocktail over ice.

You can find Pimm's No. 1 at most well-stocked liquor stores. It's usually in the liqueur section.

Substitutions and Variations

Sparkling Lemonade. If you can't find sparkling lemonade, use lemon soda (Sprite or 7UP works great), or mix equal parts fresh lemon juice and club soda. You can also use tonic water for a slightly more bitter, botanical flavor that pairs really well with the Pimm's.

Garnish Ideas

The garnishes are what make a Pimm's Cup look so stunning. Use any or all of the following:

• Cucumber slices or spears
• Sliced strawberries
• Orange slices or wheels
• Lime slices or wheels
• Fresh mint (a great addition if you have it!)

The more fruit you add, the better it looks and the more the flavors meld together as you sip.

How to Make a Big Batch Pimm's Cup

This recipe scales up beautifully for a party. Here's how to make a big batch that serves 8 to 10.

Add all the fruit and cucumber to a large punch bowl. I recommend a punch bowl because there is so much fruit in this drink, it'll be much easier to scoop versus pour! Pour in the Pimm's, then add the lemonade and ginger ale right before serving to keep it bubbly. Add a large handful of ice, stir gently, and serve immediately.

Batch Recipe (serves 8 to 10):

• 2 cups (16 oz) Pimm's No. 1
• 3 cups (24 oz) sparkling lemonade
• 1 cup (8 oz) ginger ale
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 orange, sliced into wheels
• 1 lime, sliced into wheels
• ½ cucumber, sliced

Tip: Add the lemonade and ginger ale right before serving so you keep all that fizz.

FAQs

What does a Pimm's Cup taste like?

A Pimm's Cup tastes fruity, lightly spiced, and refreshing. The Pimm's No. 1 brings a subtle bitterness and citrus-herb flavor, the lemonade adds sweetness and fizz, and the fresh fruit makes it taste like summer. It is not a strong or boozy-tasting drink, which is part of what makes it so easy to love.

What is the ratio of Pimm's to lemonade in a Pimm's Cup?

The classic ratio is 1 part Pimm's to 3 parts lemonade. For a single serving, that's 2 oz Pimm's to 6 oz lemonade. In this recipe, I split that mixer between sparkling lemonade and ginger ale for extra flavor and fizz.

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Want more summer cocktails?

• Hugo Spritz Recipe
• Aperol Margarita
• Mango Mai Tai