Pimm’s Cup

by | Aug 26, 2025 | Classic Cocktails, Cocktail Recipes, Seasonal Cocktails

Pimm’s Cup cocktail in a tall glass with cucumber, strawberry, orange slice, and mint garnish on a rustic wooden bar top with warm blurred background

A refreshing Pimm’s Cup that tastes like summer in a glass. Built with the iconic gin-based liqueur Pimm’s No. 1, fizzy lemonade, and a garden’s worth of fruit and herbs, this cocktail has been a Wimbledon tradition since the 1800s. It’s light, citrusy, and endlessly customizable—perfect for brunches, barbecues, and Long Island summer parties.

About This Pimm’s Cup

First poured by James Pimm in 1840s London, the Pimm’s Cup quickly became a favorite at English garden parties. Today it’s considered the official drink of Wimbledon, often served by the pitcher with sliced strawberries, cucumber, and fresh mint. On Long Island, we mix it when we want something lighter than sangria but just as festive. Think of it as a “garden-in-a-glass” cocktail that’s easy to scale for a crowd.

Pro link: Planning a big gathering? Use our Alcohol Calculator to estimate how many bottles of Pimm’s you’ll need.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1 Cup (gin-based liqueur)
  • 6 oz chilled lemonade (UK-style sparkling, or use lemon-lime soda/ginger ale in the U.S.)
  • Ice
  • Fruit garnish: cucumber slices, orange wheels, strawberries, apple slices
  • Fresh mint sprigs (or borage if you can find it)

Steps

  1. Fill a glass. Add ice to a tall highball or large wine glass.
  2. Build. Pour in Pimm’s No. 1 and top with sparkling lemonade (about 1:3 ratio).
  3. Garnish generously. Add cucumber, strawberries, citrus slices, and a sprig of mint.
  4. Serve. Stir gently and enjoy immediately.

Bar Tips

  • Ratio matters: The classic mix is 1 part Pimm’s to 3 parts fizzy lemonade or ginger ale.
  • Ice is key: Load the glass with plenty to keep the drink crisp.
  • Garden vibe: The more fresh fruit and herbs, the better—don’t skimp on cucumber slices.

Flavor Pairings

  • Mixes well with: lemon, lime, strawberry, ginger, mint.
  • Food pairings: tea sandwiches, charcuterie, grilled chicken skewers.

Variations

  • Strawberry Pimm’s: Add muddled strawberries for extra sweetness.
  • Ginger Pimm’s: Swap lemonade for ginger beer for spicier bite.
  • Low-ABV Spritz: Add sparkling water to stretch it lighter.
  • Mocktail: Replace Pimm’s with iced tea plus a dash of orange juice.

Party Batch (8–10 drinks)

  • 2 cups (16 oz) Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
  • 6 cups (48 oz) sparkling lemonade or ginger ale
  • Ice
  • Plenty of sliced fruit + mint sprigs

Build in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add ice and fruit just before serving to keep it fresh and bright.

When to Serve

Perfect for summer parties, barbecues, Wimbledon watch events, brunches, and bridal showers. Need help hosting? Hire a bartender and we’ll craft pitchers and keep the garnishes flowing.

See more Cocktail Recipes or seasonal inspiration: Summer Cocktail Recipes.

How do you make a traditional Pimm’s Cup?

A traditional Pimm’s Cup recipe starts with 1 part Pimm’s No. 1 (a gin-based liqueur) mixed with 3 parts chilled lemonade (the sparkling UK style). Build it in a tall glass over ice, then load it with sliced cucumber, strawberries, orange wheels, apple slices, and fresh mint or borage. Stir gently and serve immediately. This garden-party cocktail is crisp, herbal, and fruity—the official summer drink of Wimbledon.

What type of alcohol is Pimm’s?

Pimm’s No. 1 Cup is a gin-based liqueur infused with a secret blend of botanicals, herbs, spices, and caramelized orange. The flavor is slightly sweet with citrus and herbal notes, making it the perfect low-ABV base for the Pimm’s Cup cocktail. While there are other Pimm’s varieties (like No. 3 with brandy and No. 6 with vodka), the classic No. 1 Cup remains the most popular worldwide.

What are some common mistakes when making a Pimm’s Cup?

The biggest mistake is not adding enough fresh fruit and herbs—this cocktail is meant to be a “garden in a glass.” Other common errors include using flat lemonade instead of sparkling, skimping on cucumber slices, or serving with too little ice (which keeps the drink cold and bright). Another misstep is overpowering Pimm’s unique flavor with too much soda—stick to the classic 1:3 ratio for balance.

What is the Pimm’s ratio?

The standard Pimm’s Cup ratio is 1 part Pimm’s No. 1 to 3 parts sparkling lemonade or ginger ale. This balance allows the herbal, citrus, and spiced flavors of Pimm’s to shine without being too strong. For a lighter drink, you can stretch to a 1:4 ratio; for a bolder cocktail, keep it closer to 1:2. Always adjust to taste and add plenty of fruit and mint for the classic presentation.

How do you make the perfect Pimm’s Cup?

The perfect Pimm’s Cup cocktail is all about freshness, ratio, and garnish. Use plenty of ice in a tall glass, mix 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1 with 6 oz sparkling lemonade, and garnish with cucumber slices, strawberries, orange wheels, apple slices, and a sprig of mint. Serve immediately while cold and bubbly. For large gatherings, build a pitcher and keep the fruit vibrant by adding it just before serving.