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.
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.