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Pimm's Cup

September 3, 2024

Sparkling lemonade and the herbaceous, sweetly botanical flavors of Pimm’s No. 1 join forces in this classic Pimm’s Cup cocktail.

Categories

  • Summer
  • Cocktails
Pimm's Cup cocktail with strawberries, cucumber and basil

Pimm's The Perfect Summer Cocktail

Fizzing with citrus and the flavor of sweet and bitter herbs, no drink heralds the arrival of summer quite like a classic Pimm’s Cup (OK, except maybe a Moscow Mule or Mint Julep!). Easy to mix up by the pitcher, it’s the perfect drink for serving to a thirsty (over 21) crowd—from barbecues to pool parties, this simple stunner is sure to be everyone’s new favorite cocktail.

What is a Pimm's Cup?

Redolent of summer and all things aristocratic and British, the classic Pimm’s Cup recipe involves Pimm’s No. 1, fizzy lemonade, lemon juice, lots of ice and a borderline-ridiculous garnish situation—think whole strawberries and a garden’s worth of basil leaves. Best sipped in the hot summer sun, this classic summer refresher—the official unofficial drink of Wimbledon—is tart-sweet and cooling.

Basket of strawberries, lemons, cucumber and basil.
Pimm's Cup cocktail in a pitcher with strawberries, cucumber, lemon and basil.

What is Pimm's No. 1?

Fair question! Probably the best answer involves a mini history lesson. So...

A Bit of Pimm’s No. 1 History:

Pimm’s No. 1 is a gin-based liqueur that originated in London in the mid-1800’s. It was created by a fishmonger named James Pimm (hence the name). Mr. Pimm mixed up the bitter orange-and-herb-flavored libation initially as a drink to serve at his oyster bar—something unique to offer his customers that would help his restaurant gain a loyal following. The drink quickly grew in popularity, and by 1859 it was being sold commercially—and the rest is history! As for what Pimm's liqueur is made of? Well, of course, Pimm’s would prefer not to share the exact recipe for their famous liqueur, but we know for sure that it’s gin-based, and those bold, bitter herb-and-orange flavors let us know that it’s likely infused with lots and lots of herbs and citrus peel. We also know for sure that it’s delicious, and that you can’t make a Pimm’s Cup without it!

3 Pimm's Cup cocktails with strawberries, cucumber, lemon and basil.

What's in a Pimm's Cup?

Everything good and summery and bitter and sweet and sparkling and refreshing. Oh, but like, specifically, really what goes into a classic Pimm’s Cup cocktail? You’ll need:

  • Pimm’s No. 1.
  • Sparkling lemonade. We love San Pellegrino limonata because it’s sweet and lemony with loads of fizz power, but any sparkling lemonade that you love will work.
  • Lemon juice. Pimm’s No. 1 is delicious, but it veers toward sweetness, so we add extra lemon juice to the mix to tart things up a bit. On the dog days of summer, we want something truly refreshing and bright, zingy freshly squeezed lemon juice ensures that your Pimm’s Cup will be ultra cooling.
  • Garnishes galore! Why does a Pimm’s Cup need to be garnished within an inch of its life? Who knows—maybe just chalk it up to typically British eccentricity, since the Pimm’s Cup just might be the most British cocktail there is. (Don’t tell the G&T..) Regardless, you obviously don’t have to garnish your Pimm’s Cup to enjoy it, but we swear that stuffing sprigs of fresh basil, strawberries and cucumber and lemon slices into your glass will make you feel a little extra celebratory when you go in for that first sip, and who doesn’t love that?

What Does a Pimm's Cup Taste Like?

We kind of don’t want to answer this one, because we want you to mix one up and see for yourself. But, we also can’t resist taking a moment to revel in the gustatory joy that is a classic, perfectly mixed Pimm’s Cup. It is pure summer in a class—an ice-filled, sunshine-y, lightly-alcoholic cocktail that refreshes and relaxes. Lemon lovers, this is your drink! Pimm’s No. 1 brings just enough bitter herbal flavors to balance out the thirst-quenching sweet-tart flavors of the fizzy lemonade, and that fresh, verdant basil pushes everything over the edge into blaze of sheer summertime bliss.

Overhead of 3 Pimm's Cup cocktails with strawberries, cucumber, lemon and basil.
Close up of Pimm's Cup cocktails with strawberries, cucumber, lemon and basil.

How to Make a Pimm's Cup:

Dump everything into a pitcher and stir—mixing up a pitcher of Pimm’s Cups really is just about as easy cocktails get, and yay for that. Here’s what you do:

  1. Squeeze half a cup of lemon juice. This takes about 3-4 lemons, depending on how juicy they are.
  2. Pour the lemon juice into a large pitcher along with your Pimm’s No. 1 and sparkling lemonade.
  3. Add some of your fresh basil leaves, strawberries and cucumber slices to the pitcher, and let it infuse for ten minutes.
  4. Fill everyone’s glasses with lots of ice, and pour everyone a Pimm’s Cup. Garnish like crazy. Toast to the host(ess) with the most!
3 Pimm's Cup cocktails with strawberries, cucumber, lemon and basil.
Pimm's Cup cocktail with strawberries, cucumber and basil
3 Pimm's Cup cocktails with strawberries, cucumber, lemon and basil.

Cheers!

So, did you mix up a Pimm’s Cup? Or are you planning to? If you make this cocktail recipe, post a picture to Instagram and tag @themodernproper and #themodernproper so we can see how it turned out! Pinkies up!

Other Favorite Summer Cocktails

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Pimm's Cup

  • Serves:  4
  • Prep Time:  10 min
  • Calories:  273

Ingredients

  • 2 (330 ml) cans Sanpellegrino® Limonata
  • 1 cup Pimm’s No. 1
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 8 strawberries, quartered
  • 8 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 lemon sliced, for garnish

Method

  1. In a large pitcher, mix together the Limonata, Pimm’s, and lemon juice. Stir in the cucumber, strawberries, and basil. Let stand for 10 minutes until the flavors have mingled.

  2. Fill 4 highball glasses with ice. Pour the cocktail over the ice dividing the cucumbers, strawberries and basil evenly. Garnish each glass with lemon.

Nutrition Info

  • Per Serving
  • Amount
  • Calories 273
  • Protein 2 g
  • Carbohydrates 48 g
  • Total Fat 1 g
  • Dietary Fiber 5 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • sodium 3 mg
  • Total Sugars 26 g

Pimm's Cup

Questions & Reviews

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  • Benjamin

    Pimm’s has always been served with mint in all the years I have consumed it and never basil. Where/when did basil get introduced? Not that I don’t think it would be good with basil just not the traditional way to make it. I imagine Kaffir lime leaves might be an interesting addition too but again not traditional.

    We love the twist with basil but feel free to use mint if you prefer!

  • Barbara

    Is Pimms No 1cup the only one available now? I am a publicans daughter from London and have served and drank Pimms for many years. I am a Brandy girl and loved # 4.Since Living in the US for far too long I miss many things from home and someone asked me about Pimms the other day and I could not answer the question. . My dad's pub was in Soho, so when I say I am a Londoner, I truly mean that. Born in the East end grew up in the West End.

    We believe they only have NO. 1 and NO. 6 now.

  • Sheri

    I need to know if Pimm’s is Gluten-Free.
    That means it has no ingredient w/wheat, barley, rye, or oats(grown in a rotated field w/previous grains) exposure. Thanks.

    Yes, it is.

  • Edward

    How many bottles of 70cl Pimms No 1 cup mixed with lemonade does one need to fill say 12 highball glasses?

    Well we would recommend tripling this recipe since it serves 4. So you will need 3 cups (1 750ml bottle). Hope you enjoy Edward!

  • David

    Are the cans of lemon San Pelligrino 12 ounces?

    They are technically 11.15 fl oz but yes, just the regular can! Hope you enjoy, David!

  • Jenn

    This was very delicious!

    Thanks Jenn! We are glad to hear you enjoyed it!