Pimm's Cup

Pimm's Cup 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 cocktail! British 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 a blaze of sheer summertime bliss.

For more summer picnic drinks, try mixing up a pitcher of sangria, a Moscow mule or mint julep!). 

What is a Pimm's Cup?

Redolent of summer and all things 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 is tart-sweet, cooling and (most famously) the official unofficial drink of Wimbledon.

What is Pimm's No. 1? 

First, 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. It was so popular that by 1859 it was being sold commercially, and the rest is history! 

As for what Pimm's liqueur is made of? Of course, Pimm’s would prefer not to share the exact recipe for their famous liqueur, but we know 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! 

What's in a Pimm's Cup? 

• Pimm’s No. 1. See above!
• Sparkling lemonade. I like to use 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 is a bit sweet. I add extra lemon juice to ensure that my classic Pimm’s Cup recipe is never TOO sweet. On the dog days of summer, 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 it is fun to do! I always add: fresh basil, strawberries, cucumber and lemon slices. Maximalist garnishes are half the fun. 

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 as 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 juice into a large pitcher.
3. Add the Pimm’s No. 1 and sparkling lemonade.
4. Add some of your fresh basil leaves, strawberries and cucumber slices to the pitcher.
5. Let it infuse for ten minutes but NOT longer! You want the lemonade to be fizzing.
6. Fill everyone’s glasses with lots of ice, and pour everyone a Pimm’s Cup.
7. Garnish like crazy. Toast to the host(ess) with the most! 

Pimm’s Cup Variations

I usually like to serve the totally classic version but you could swap a few ingredients if you want to make a different drink inspired by the classic Pimm’s cup cocktail. Try: 

• Swapping ginger ale in place of the sparkling lemonade.
• Use whatever fruit is in season when you made your Pimm’s! Try adding stone fruit, like sliced peaches or nectarines in summer, or if you’re making it in winter, add orange or grapefruit slices.
• I love making this with mint instead of basil for a really refreshing riff. Lemon verbena would work well, too, either in place of (or addition to) the basil. 

Cheers! 

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