Pimm’s Cup

Introduction

The Pimm’s Cup is a classic British cocktail that’s celebrated for its refreshingly crisp and lightly fruity character—a true hallmark of summer entertaining. Easy to mix and endlessly customizable, this drink is famous for its crowd-pleasing presentation, making it the perfect choice for garden parties, casual get-togethers, or as a signature sipper at any sunny event.

Why Pimm’s Cup is the Ultimate Summer Party Drink

Bursting with citrus, fresh herbs, and a medley of seasonal fruits, the Pimm’s Cup delights with layers of flavor and eye-catching color. Its base, the distinctively herbal and subtly spiced Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur, is topped with effervescent lemonade or ginger ale—creating a refreshing, low-alcohol beverage that’s suitable for sipping and sharing. Best of all, its versatile garnish options mean you can personalize for guests or occasions without fuss.

Crafting the Perfect Pimm’s Cup

For authentic flavor, use high-quality Pimm’s No. 1 and load your glass with crisp cucumber, ruby strawberries, bright orange slices, and fresh mint. Ginger ale imparts a gentle spice, while lemonade brings out the fruitiness. Assemble everything over plenty of ice to keep the drink bracingly cold on warm days.

Serving Ideas to Impress

Traditionally presented in a tall Collins glass or pitcher, the Pimm’s Cup is made for sharing (and admiring)! For a picture-perfect serve, add extra fresh fruit and herbs to the glass just before pouring over the mixer. Pair with platters of finger sandwiches or light salads to truly channel a summer picnic or Wimbledon afternoon.

Nutritional Details & Serving Size

A standard Pimm’s Cup serves about 1 person and, depending on garnishes and mixer choice, typically contains around 150–180 calories per glass. This cocktail is light in alcohol and sugar, especially when using sugar-free ginger ale or sparkling water as a mixer—an ideal option for those watching their intake without sacrificing flavor.

Pimm’s Cup: Recap

This easy, beautifully customizable cocktail brings vibrant flavors, festive looks, and a fun summer spirit to your table. Whether for a relaxing afternoon or celebratory gathering, the Pimm’s Cup is sure to charm any crowd.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient cocktail shopping and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Fill a tall glass or pitcher with ice cubes.
2. Add Pimm’s No. 1 and fresh lemon juice over the ice.
3. Top with lemonade or ginger ale to taste, gently stirring to mix.
4. Add sliced cucumber, strawberry halves, orange slices, and lemon wheels directly to the drink.
5. Garnish generously with fresh mint sprigs.
6. Serve immediately, ideally with extra fruit on the side for guests to personalize their glass.

Weekly Meal Planning

A Pimm’s Cup is the ideal make-ahead option for summer gatherings; you can prep garnishes and chill pitchers in advance. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your event menu and generate shopping lists that combine cocktail and food ingredients in a single, streamlined list.

Planning Benefits:

• Combines ingredient quantities across all planned recipes (cocktail and food alike)
• Sorts grocery lists by store section for quick trips
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and reduces last-minute scramble
• Makes hosting and prepping for parties or weekly events effortless

Pro tip: When entertaining, schedule your recipes to ensure you buy the right amounts (think: mint or citrus for both drinks and desserts!) and save money by minimizing excess.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes