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Pimm's Cup

Pimm's Cup Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Get into the summer vibe with this easy Pimm's Cup recipe! Pimm's, lemonade, and ginger ale are mixed for a refreshing drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 257

Ingredients
 

  • 1½ oz Pimm's No.1
  • 3 oz lemonade
  • 2 oz ginger ale or soda water
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint sprigs, sliced cucumber, orange slices, and strawberries - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Pimm's: Pour 1½ oz Pimm's No.1 over the ice.
  • Add Lemonade: Measure and pour 3 oz lemonade into the glass.
  • Add Ginger Ale or Soda: Top with 2 oz ginger ale or soda water, as preferred.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to mix the ingredients carefully.
  • Garnish: Add mint, cucumber, orange, and strawberries for a colorful, flavorful touch.

Notes

Substitutes:

I've experimented with a few tweaks here and there over the years. If you can't get Pimm's, a splash of bourbon with a bit of red vermouth gets you there — it's all about that balance of spicy and sweet. Ginger ale is my go-to, but I've swapped it for ginger beer for an extra kick. For a fruitier vibe, try adding clear, fruit-flavored carbonated beverages; they add a fun twist!

Making a Pitcher of Pimm's Cup:

  • Scale: For a gathering, multiply all the ingredients by 8 for a pitcher. You'll need 12 oz of Pimm's, 24 oz of lemonade, and 16 oz of ginger ale or soda.
  • Mix: In the pitcher, combine Pimm's, lemonade, and ginger ale/soda. Stir it well!
  • Serve: Dive into the spirit of communal sipping — pour into individual ice-filled glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Pimm's Substitute: Replace Pimm's with a concoction of non-alcoholic red grape juice, a splash of bitters (non-alcoholic), and a cinnamon stick for warmth. Let it infuse a bit before using.
  • Proceed As Usual: With your non-alcoholic "Pimm's" ready, follow the original steps and enjoy your mocktail version.

Making it Vegan:

Good news, Pimm's Cup aficionados — the classic recipe is inherently vegan! However, watch out for the lemonade and ginger ale; some brands might use non-vegan sweeteners or additives. Opt for certified vegan products to keep your drink animal-friendly. And, of course, enjoy the natural bounty of garnishes!