When I’m craving something refreshing that feels a bit fancy but doesn’t take a ton of effort, I’ll whip up an Elderflower Pimm’s Cup. This cocktail blends the floral notes of elderflower with the classic Pimm’s Cup for a light, bright twist.
The ingredients are simple, and the process isn’t fussy at all. It’s my go-to for picnics, sunny afternoons, or honestly, just when I want to mix things up.
Let me walk you through what I use, the gear I reach for, and every step to make my Elderflower Pimm’s Cup.
Equipment
- Tall glass (Pint or Highball): I like to build and serve the cocktail in a tall glass.
- Measuring jigger: Makes it easy to get the Pimm’s and elderflower liqueur just right.
- Bar spoon or stirrer: For mixing everything together gently.
- Knife and cutting board: Needed to slice up the fruit and cucumber.
- Ice: Cubes or crushed—whatever I’m feeling that day.
- Strainer (optional): Only if I decide to shake the ingredients first, which is rare.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 1 oz Elderflower liqueur St-Germain works great
- 4 oz sparkling lemonade make sure it’s chilled
- 2-3 slices cucumber
- 1-2 sliced strawberries
- 1 slice orange or lemon
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
- Ice enough to fill glass
This makes one cocktail. If I’m making a few, I just double or triple everything, keeping the same ratios.
Instructions
- Fill a tall glass right to the top with ice.
- Add cucumber slices, strawberry slices, and a citrus slice to the glass.
- Pour in the Pimm’s No. 1 and elderflower liqueur.
- Slowly top with sparkling lemonade, letting it flow over the ice and fruit.
- Give it a gentle stir with a bar spoon—nothing too crazy.
- Pop a fresh mint sprig on top.
- Serve immediately, straw optional (I usually skip it).
If I want to make a big batch, I mix everything except the lemonade and ice in a pitcher.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
Image | Title | Buy |
---|---|---|
![]() | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
![]() | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The first sip? It’s bright and super refreshing. The elderflower gives it a gentle, floral sweetness that’s noticeable but doesn’t steal the show.
Cucumber and mint bring a cool, crisp bite. I love how these flavors make the drink feel so light—perfect for a hot day.
Pimm’s adds a mild herbal bitterness. It plays nicely with the citrus and berries, and I get a good balance of sweet and tangy.
Texture and Mouthfeel:
- Light and bubbly thanks to the lemonade
- Smooth, with that icy chill
- Fresh on the tongue—not heavy at all
Every sip is a mix of floral, citrus, and a little herbal something. The aftertaste? Clean, and honestly, it makes me want another sip almost immediately.
Substitute
Sometimes I run out of elderflower liqueur, or maybe I just want to mix things up a bit. There are a few good substitutes that still keep the drink tasty and refreshing.
If I don’t have elderflower liqueur, I use:
- St. Germain syrup or another elderflower-flavored syrup.
- Lemon or orange liqueur for a bit of a citrus twist.
- Homemade elderflower cordial, if I’ve got some on hand.
If I need to swap the fruit or herbs, I choose:
- Strawberries or blueberries instead of cucumbers.
- Mint, basil, or thyme instead of fresh mint.
To switch the mixer, I sometimes use:
- Lemonade for a sweeter taste.
- Club soda for fewer calories.
- Ginger ale for a spicy kick.