The classic Pimm’s and lemonade cocktail brings the taste of British summer to any gathering. This refreshing drink mixes Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, with sparkling lemonade and fresh fruits for a perfect warm-weather sipper.

The cocktail started in London during the 1800s when James Pimm created his secret blend of gin, herbs, and spices. It became popular at garden parties, tennis matches, and other outdoor events across England.

A proper Pimm’s Cup needs crisp cucumber, sweet strawberries, zesty orange, and cool mint leaves. These fresh ingredients add bright flavors and pretty colors that make each glass look as good as it tastes.

Pimm’s & Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

The classic British summer drink combines Pimm’s No. 1 with fizzy lemonade and fresh fruits for a refreshing cocktail.

John

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups Pimm’s No. 1
6 cups chilled lemonade
1 orange sliced into wheels
1 lemon sliced into wheels
1 cucumber sliced
8-10 fresh mint sprigs
1 cup fresh strawberries halved
Ice cubes

Optional: 2-3 apples, sliced

Instructions

Fill a large pitcher halfway with ice cubes.
Pour the Pimm’s No. 1 into the pitcher.
Add the sliced orange, lemon, cucumber, and strawberries.

Pour in the chilled lemonade and stir gently.
Add the mint sprigs and give another light stir.
Fill tall glasses with ice cubes.

Pour the mixture into glasses, making sure each glass gets some fruit.
Garnish each glass with extra mint sprigs.

Notes

The drink tastes best when served right away while the ice is fresh and the bubbles are fizzy.

Make sure your store-bought lemonade is fizzy and not still.

Fresh fruit is important – avoid using frozen or canned options.

You can make the mixture up to 1 hour ahead, but add the ice and lemonade just before serving.

For a stronger drink, use more Pimm’s. For a lighter version, add more lemonade.

Tasting Notes

Pimm’s & Lemonade offers a crisp, refreshing taste with layers of fruity and herbal notes. The drink balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly.

The first sip reveals hints of citrus from both the lemonade and orange garnish. The signature Pimm’s No. 1 adds caramel and spice undertones.

Fresh cucumber gives a cool, subtle flavor that complements the mint leaves. These garden-fresh ingredients create a light, summer-like character.

The drink has a medium sweetness level that appeals to most palates. Its carbonation from the lemonade provides a pleasant fizzy texture.

Key Flavor Notes:

Citrus (orange, lemon)
Herbs (mint)
Light spices
Caramel
Fresh cucumber

The cocktail’s amber-brown color comes from the Pimm’s No. 1 base. When garnished, it becomes an eye-catching display of fresh fruits and herbs.

This drink tastes best when served very cold. The flavors blend together more smoothly as the ice slowly melts.

Substitute

No Pimm’s No. 1 at home? A mix of gin and sweet vermouth can work as a stand-in.

Mix equal parts gin and sweet vermouth. Then, add a splash of orange liqueur.

Other substitutes for Pimm’s include:

Equal parts gin and red vermouth
Equal parts gin and Dubonnet Rouge
Stone’s Original Green Ginger Wine

Regular lemonade works fine, but you can try these options too:

Ginger ale
Ginger beer
Sprite or 7-Up
Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon

The garnishes are flexible. Replace cucumber with celery, mint with basil, or orange with any citrus fruit. Fresh berries add nice color and taste.

Keep the ice cubes big to prevent quick melting. Large ice cubes or an ice block works great for keeping drinks cold without watering them down.

Pimm’s & Lemonade Cocktail Recipe