Easy Pimm’s Cup Cocktail

This easy Pimm’s Cup recipe combines Pimm’s No. 1 with Sprite, cucumber, strawberries, fresh mint and plenty of ice. British recipes call for “lemonade,” but that means a clear, carbonated lemon soda rather than the still lemonade familiar to most Americans.

I’ve visited London twice and tasted my first Pimm’s Cup during intermission at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. A Globe Theatre guide shared the traditional ingredients and serving customs with me, and I’ve made this refreshing British summer cocktail at home ever since. If you want to try this in London, it is only available in summer!!

Why You’ll Love This Pimm’s Cup

• A recipe with a story: I first enjoyed this traditional British cocktail at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London and have been making it at home ever since.
  
• Quick to prepare: This refreshing cocktail takes approximately five minutes to assemble.
  
• Light and refreshing: Pimm’s has fruity, citrusy and herbal flavors without tasting strongly of gin.
  
• Fresh summer garnishes: Cucumber, strawberries and mint make the drink taste fresh and look especially pretty
  
• Easy to scale: Make one drink for yourself or mix a full pitcher for a summer gathering.

Where I First Tried Pimm’s

I tasted my first Pimm’s Cup during intermission at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. I was there to see The Taming of the Shrew, and a friendly Globe guide explained the traditional ingredients and how this popular British summer cocktail is served.

I’ve visited London twice, and Pimm’s remains one of my favorite memories from those trips. Making it at home with Sprite, fresh fruit, cucumber and mint always reminds me of that wonderful summer evening at the Globe (pictured below).

Pimm’s Cup Ingredients

• Pimm’s No. 1: This gin-based liqueur has fruity, citrusy and lightly spiced flavors. Although I don’t normally enjoy gin, I love the flavor of Pimm’s.
• Sprite or lemon-lime soda: British recipes use sparkling “lemonade,” which is different from American-style lemonade. Sprite, 7UP or a similar carbonated lemon-lime soda is an easy substitute in the United States.
• Ice: Use plenty of ice to keep the cocktail cold and refreshing.
• Cucumber: Add a thin cucumber slice for the fresh flavor traditionally associated with a Pimm’s drink.
• Strawberry: Slice the strawberry so its flavor can mingle with the cocktail.
• Fresh mint: Gently rub or clap the mint leaves before adding them to release their aroma.
• Orange slice, optional: Orange is another traditional garnish that complements the citrus flavor of Pimm’s.

How to Make a Pimm’s Cup

1. Fill a tall glass approximately two-thirds full with ice.
2. Pour 1 ounce of Pimm’s No. 1 over the ice.
3. Add 3 ounces of Sprite or another carbonated lemon-lime soda.
4. Add a cucumber slice, sliced strawberry and fresh mint. Include an orange slice if desired.
5. Stir gently and serve immediately.

Pimm’s Cup Variations and Substitutions
(Making a Pitcher)

Prepare a pitcher: Combine one part Pimm’s No. 1 with three parts Sprite or lemon-lime soda. Add the soda and ice shortly before serving so the drink remains cold and carbonated.

Try ginger ale: Replace the Sprite with ginger ale for a slightly spicier Pimm’s drink.

Add different fruit: Sliced oranges, lemons, apples and additional berries are all delicious additions. Not the traditional garnishes, but also very pretty and delicious!

Make it less sweet: Use half lemon-lime soda and half plain sparkling water.

What Is Pimm’s?

Pimm’s No. 1 is a British gin-based liqueur flavored with citrus, herbs and spices. It has a fruity, lightly spiced flavor and is most commonly mixed with sparkling lemonade or lemon-lime soda to make a Pimm’s Cup. The finished cocktail tastes refreshing and lightly sweet, not like a traditional gin drink.

I’ll admit that I don’t like gin, but I love Pimm’s! The fresh cucumber, strawberries and mint add noticeable flavor, so don’t skip the garnishes. Serve it over plenty of ice, or make a pitcher for an easy summer drink to share with friends.

A Pimm’s Cup is traditionally served in a tall highball glass, but I often use a mason jar when enjoying cocktails outdoors. It’s sturdy, practical and still shows off all those beautiful fresh garnishes.

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Pimm’s Cup with Sprite (England Summer Cocktail)

A delicious and refreshing adult summer cocktail.  Not overly sweet and looks delicious with the traditional garnishes (as done in England).  I was introduced to this beverage at The Globe Theatre in London, England.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1

Calories: 105Kcal

Author: Susan Moncrieff

Ingredients

• Ice absolutely necessary! I usually do about ⅓ of a cup then add the ingredients.
• 1 oz Pimms Pimm’s No 1
• 3 oz sprite
• 1 slice cucumber garnish
• 1 medium Strawberry sliced as garnish
• Sprig of Mint garnish

Instructions

• Fill a tall glass approx. ⅓ full of ice.
• Add 1 part Pimm's
• 3 parts Sprite.
• Garnish with fresh sliced cucumbers, strawberries and a sprig of mint.

Notes

Pimm's can be purchased in many large liquor stores.

Traditional Pimm's recipes call for Lemonade - that is what they call sodas like Sprite.  They do not mean the recipe using lemons. 
7-Up is a Sprite substitute if that is what you have available. 

Nutrition (estimate)

Serving: 1g | Calories: 105Kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Originally published April 26, 2016. Updated for images and clarity.