When I think of a drink that feels fresh, light, and easy to make, the classic Pimm’s Cup comes to mind.

This cocktail mixes Pimm’s No. 1 with lemonade or ginger ale, fruit, and cucumber for a drink that’s both simple and flavorful. It’s a favorite for summer afternoons or relaxing weekends.

I like the way each ingredient adds a new layer of taste without making the drink too strong.

People often ask me for this recipe because it looks good in a glass and doesn’t take much work to prepare.

If you want a quick drink that impresses guests and tastes good, learning how to make a Pimm’s Cup can help.

Classic Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Recipe

This recipe makes a light and refreshing drink with fruit, cucumber, mint, and Pimm’s No. 1. I focus on the right tools, fresh ingredients, clear steps, and a few extra tips to help make the cocktail taste its best.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

I use a tall glass, such as a highball or Collins glass, for the Pimm’s Cup.

This helps fit all the fruit, ice, and the cocktail itself.
A simple mixing spoon is important for gently stirring the ingredients together.
I also keep a cutting board and a sharp knife nearby to slice the fruits, cucumber, and mint.

For measuring, a jigger or any small measuring cup works.
I prefer a small peeler to make cucumber ribbons, which look nice in the drink.
A simple citrus press helps if I want to add fresh lemon juice, but it’s not required.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

2 ounces of Pimm’s No. 1
3 ounces of lemon-lime soda ginger ale, or lemonade (my favorite is ginger ale)
Ice cubes
Garnishes and Add-Ins:
2 –3 slices of cucumber
Slices of orange and lemon
Fresh mint sprig
Fresh strawberries sliced

Instructions

I fill my tall glass with ice cubes, packing them almost to the top.
Then I pour 2 ounces of Pimm’s No. 1 over the ice.

Next, I add the cucumber, orange, lemon, strawberries, and mint right into the glass.
I pour 3 ounces of ginger ale (or lemon-lime soda or lemonade) over the fruit and Pimm’s.
I stir everything gently with my mixing spoon to combine the flavors.

I make sure the fruit and cucumber get spread out for each sip.
I put a sprig of mint on top before serving.
Sometimes I add a straw to make it easier to drink.

Notes

I always use fresh ice for each new drink to keep it cold and not watered down.

Using different sodas can change the taste—ginger ale is sweeter, lemon-lime is lighter, and lemonade is more tart.

If I want a less sweet cocktail, I add more mixer or more fruit.

Using lots of fresh fruit and mint makes the drink much more enjoyable.

For larger groups, I prepare a pitcher by multiplying the recipe.

I keep all the ingredients cold before mixing and only add ice right before pouring, to keep it from getting watery.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of a Classic Pimm’s Cup, the first thing I notice is its mix of sweet and tart flavors.

The drink is light, but it does not taste flat or watered down.

I taste hints of citrus from the lemon and orange slices.

There is a gentle herbal note from the Pimm’s No. 1, which blends with the coolness of cucumber and mint.

The ginger ale adds a mild spice and a fizzy texture.

It leaves my mouth feeling refreshed, not sticky or heavy.

I find the drink tastes best when served cold with ice.

The fresh fruit and mint also give it a clean, crisp finish.

Substitute

If I don’t have Pimm’s No. 1 on hand, I’ll just reach for another spirit and try to get close. There are a few ways to make a drink in the same general style.

Gin is honestly the best backup. The herbal thing is pretty similar, and I just mix it with lemonade or ginger ale, like I would with Pimm’s anyway.

Sometimes I’ll use Aperol or Campari instead. They taste different, sure, but they still bring a punchy mix of fruit and herbs.

I do have to play with the amount, though. Aperol and Campari can get a bit more bitter than you might expect.

For the mixer, I’ll swap lemonade with ginger beer sometimes, or even lemon-lime soda. Either way, these mixers keep things light and refreshing.

I still toss in the classic garnishes—cucumber, mint, fruit, whatever’s handy. That way, even if I’m riffing on the drink, it still kind of looks and feels like a Pimm’s Cup.

Classic Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Recipe