Name: Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Total time: 8 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 slice cucumber; 2 thin cucumber rounds; ½ oz simple syrup; 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1; ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice; 2½ oz ginger beer; strawberry; mint sprig

The Pimm's Cup cocktail is a classic British summer drink. Known for its refreshing blend of fruit, herbs, and Pimm’s No. 1, this cocktail is perfect for relaxed outdoor gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

Photos of Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Recipe

Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based potation made in England from dry gin, liqueur, fruit juices, and spices. Served with lemon soda, ginger ale, or champagne, it becomes a Pimm's Cup. Pimm's No. 1 is often served with choppy fruits, like apples, cucumber, strawberries, and mint.

Ingredients for the Pimm's Cup Cocktail

Cucumber: This vegetable adds a refreshing taste and contributes to the drink's visual appeal.

Simple syrup: A basic sugar and water solution, it sweetens the cocktail.

Pimm’s No. 1: A unique fruit cup, it is the main alcoholic component of the cocktail.

Fresh lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor profile that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Ginger beer: This adds a spicy kick and bit of fizz to the cocktail.

Strawberry: Used as a garnish, it adds a sweet fruity flavor.

Mint sprig: This is used for garnishing and adds to the overall refreshing taste of the cocktail.

One reader, Godfrey Burnette says:

This Pimm's Cup cocktail recipe is a game-changer! The blend of Pimm's, fresh lemon juice, and ginger beer creates a refreshing and delightful drink. The cucumber and mint add a lovely touch. It's the perfect summer sipper for any occasion. Highly recommended!

Godfrey Burnette

Mastering the Techniques for a Delightful Pimm's Cup Cocktail

How to muddle cucumber slices and simple syrup: Gently press and mix the cucumber slices and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker to release the flavors and aromas of the cucumber.

How to strain into the Collins glass: Use a fine mesh strainer or a Hawthorne strainer to pour the cocktail from the shaker into the Collins glass, ensuring that any small pieces of cucumber or ice are caught and the drink is smooth.

How to garnish with a cucumber wheel and/or a speared strawberry or sprig of mint: Place a cucumber wheel on the rim of the glass or skewer a strawberry with a mint sprig and place it on the rim as a decorative garnish.

How To Make Pimm’s Cup Cocktail

Pimm’s cup is a cocktail that uses Pimm’s, a gin-based fruit cup, as its base. This recipe mixes it with ginger beer, fresh cucumber, and lemon juice

Preparation: 8 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 8 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1slicecucumber,long and thin, for garnish
2thin cucumber rounds,for muddling
½ozsimple syrup
2ozPimm’s No. 1
½ozfresh lemon juice
2½ozginger beer
strawberry,for garnish
mint sprig,for garnish

Instructions

Fill a chilled Collins glass (or another tall, slender glass) three-quarters full with ice cubes and a long garnish slice of cucumber running down along the inside of the glass.
Add cucumber slices and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Muddle the cucumber slices and syrup, then add Pimm’s and lemon juice. Shake with ice, then strain into to the Collins glass .
Top with ginger ale. Garnish with a cucumber wheel and/or a speared strawberry or sprig of mint.

Nutrition

Calories: 307.22kcal
Fat: 0.63g
Saturated Fat: 0.20g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.21g
Carbohydrates: 56.27g
Fiber: 2.36g
Sugar: 43.78g
Protein: 2.49g
Sodium: 27.46mg
Calcium: 77.51mg
Potassium: 547.69mg
Iron: 2.90mg
Vitamin A: 38.59µg
Vitamin C: 15.65mg

Expert Technique Tips for Elevating Your Pimm's Cup Cocktail

When muddling the cucumber slices and simple syrup in the cocktail shaker, be sure not to overdo it. You want to extract the juice and flavor from the cucumber, but muddling too much can result in a bitter taste from the cucumber skin. A gentle press and twist with your muddler should be enough to release the flavors.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Pimm's Cup Cocktail

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that require minimal cleanup, such as soups or stir-fries.

Efficient multitasking: Utilize downtime, like waiting for water to boil, to complete other tasks in the kitchen.

Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily locate ingredients and tools.

Substitute Ingredients For Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Recipe

cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar mild flavor and crunchy texture, making it a suitable replacement for cucumber in this cocktail recipe.
simple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar can be used as a natural sweetener alternative to simple syrup, adding a touch of sweetness to the cocktail.
pimm’s no. 1 - Substitute with gin: Gin can be used as a substitute for Pimm's No. 1, providing a similar botanical and herbal flavor profile.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, offering a slightly different citrus flavor while still providing acidity to the cocktail.
ginger beer - Substitute with club soda with a dash of ginger syrup: Club soda with a dash of ginger syrup can mimic the effervescence and hint of ginger flavor found in ginger beer.
strawberry - Substitute with raspberry: Raspberries can be used as a substitute for strawberries, adding a similar tart and sweet flavor to the cocktail.
mint sprig - Substitute with basil leaves: Basil leaves can be used as a substitute for mint sprig, providing a fresh and aromatic herbaceous element to the cocktail.

How to Beautifully Present a Pimm's Cup Cocktail

Elevate the garnish: Incorporate a delicate cucumber slice and a fresh strawberry to add a pop of color and freshness to the presentation.
Emphasize glassware: Select elegant, tall, slender glasses to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the Pimm's Cup cocktail.
Highlight the cucumber: Utilize the cucumber as a key element in the presentation, both as a garnish and within the cocktail, to emphasize its refreshing flavor.
Incorporate mint sprig: Add a touch of greenery with a carefully placed mint sprig to enhance the visual appeal and aromatic experience of the cocktail.
Showcase the layers: Carefully pour the ginger beer to create a distinct layering effect, showcasing the different components of the cocktail.

Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Pimm's Cup

Chopping board: A flat, sturdy surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Knife: Used for slicing, chopping, and preparing ingredients.
Cocktail shaker: Used to mix and shake cocktail ingredients together.
Collins glass: A tall, slender glass used for serving cocktails.
Bar spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and layering cocktails.
Strainer: Used to strain and separate solid ingredients from liquids in cocktails.
Measuring jigger: A tool used to measure and pour precise amounts of liquid ingredients in cocktails.
Muddler: Used to crush and mix ingredients, such as fruits and herbs, in cocktails.

Storing and Freezing Pimm's Cup Cocktail for Later Enjoyment

Pimm's Cup is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the cocktail mixture (without the ginger beer) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When ready to serve, pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top with fresh ginger beer.
If you want to prepare the Pimm's mixture ahead of time, mix the Pimm's No. 1, simple syrup, and lemon juice together in a pitcher or bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Add the muddled cucumber and ginger beer when ready to serve.
Freezing the Pimm's Cup is not recommended, as the texture and flavor of the cocktail will be compromised once thawed.
However, you can freeze the Pimm's mixture (without the ginger beer) in ice cube trays for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, place the frozen Pimm's cubes in a glass and top with ginger beer.
This method allows you to have individual portions of the cocktail ready for quick assembly.

Fascinating Facts About the Pimm's Cup Cocktail

Pimm's Cup cocktail is a quintessential English summer drink, traditionally served at Wimbledon and garden parties. It was first created in the 19th century by James Pimm and has since become a beloved classic. The cocktail's refreshing combination of Pimm's No. 1, cucumber, and ginger beer makes it a popular choice for warm-weather gatherings. The addition of fresh lemon juice and a garnish of strawberry and mint adds a delightful touch to this iconic cocktail.

Is Making Pimm's Cup Cocktail at Home Cost-Effective?

This Pimm's Cup Cocktail recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as cucumber, lemon, and ginger beer, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The use of Pimm's No. 1 may be a bit pricier, but it's a key component of this classic cocktail. Overall, this recipe rates a solid 8 for its affordability and delightful flavors. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option for a refreshing and elegant drink.

Is the Pimm's Cup Cocktail Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Pimm's Cup cocktail recipe, while refreshing and flavorful, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe contains simple syrup, which is essentially sugar water, adding empty calories to the drink.
Pimm's No. 1, the main alcoholic component, is a liqueur that contains sugar and alcohol, both of which can be detrimental to health when consumed in excess.
Ginger beer, while often containing less sugar than ginger ale, still adds to the overall sugar content of the cocktail.

However, the recipe does include some healthier elements:

Cucumber, while used in small amounts, provides a hint of vitamins and minerals.
Lemon juice offers a dose of vitamin C and can help balance the sweetness of the drink.
The garnish of strawberry and mint adds a small amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

To make this cocktail healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the simple syrup with a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar, or omit it altogether if you prefer a less sweet drink.
Use a sugar-free or low-sugar ginger beer to reduce the overall sugar content.
Increase the amount of cucumber and lemon juice to boost the vitamin and mineral content while adding more refreshing flavors.
Experiment with other low-sugar, antioxidant-rich fruits as garnishes, such as blackberries or raspberries.
Be mindful of portion sizes and consume in moderation, as alcohol should always be enjoyed responsibly.

Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on the Pimm's Cup Cocktail Recipe

This Pimm's Cup cocktail recipe is a delightful blend of refreshing flavors. The combination of Pimm's No. 1, fresh lemon juice, and ginger beer creates a balanced and invigorating drink. The addition of cucumber, strawberry, and mint adds a lovely touch of freshness and complexity. The muddled cucumber and simple syrup provide a subtle sweetness and depth to the cocktail. Overall, this recipe offers a sophisticated and enjoyable cocktail experience, perfect for any occasion.

Enhance Your Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Try serving grilled asparagus with a balsamic glaze to complement the refreshing flavors of the Pimm's Cup cocktail.

Honey Glazed Carrots: A side of honey glazed carrots would add a touch of sweetness to balance out the tangy and herbal notes of the Pimm's Cup cocktail.

Citrus Salad: A citrus salad with mixed greens, oranges, and grapefruit would provide a light and refreshing accompaniment to the Pimm's Cup cocktail.

Lemon Roasted Chicken: For a heartier option, consider serving lemon roasted chicken alongside the Pimm's Cup cocktail to create a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Delightful Alternatives to the Classic Pimm's Cup Cocktail

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before grilling for a delicious and healthy side dish.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich red wine and tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine ripe mango, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds to create a refreshing and satisfying dessert or breakfast option.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast the butternut squash with aromatic spices before blending it into a velvety smooth and comforting soup, perfect for a cozy night in.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars: Layer a zesty lemon cheesecake filling over a buttery graham cracker crust and top with a sweet blueberry compote for a delightful dessert option.

Why trust this Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a refreshing and delightful experience, featuring the classic Pimm's No. 1 and a harmonious blend of cucumber, lemon juice, and ginger beer. The meticulous combination of flavors promises a tantalizing sip, while the use of fresh strawberry and mint ensures a visually appealing presentation. With a balanced ratio of simple syrup and the expertise of a seasoned chef, this recipe embodies the essence of a perfect Pimm's Cup, earning the trust of users seeking an authentic and satisfying cocktail experience.

Want to discuss the Pimm's Cup Cocktail recipe further? Join our Recipe Sharing forum to share your thoughts, variations, and experiences with this classic British summertime drink.

FAQ:

What is Pimm's No. 1 and where can I find it?

Pimm's No. 1 is a gin-based liqueur with a blend of herbs and spices, giving it a unique and refreshing flavor. You can find it at most liquor stores or online retailers.

Can I substitute Pimm's No. 1 with another type of alcohol?

While Pimm's No. 1 has a distinct flavor, you can experiment with substituting it with other spirits such as gin or vodka to create your own twist on the classic Pimm's Cup cocktail.

Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can easily make a non-alcoholic version of the Pimm's Cup by substituting the Pimm's No. 1 with a non-alcoholic gin alternative or simply omitting the alcohol altogether.

What can I use as a substitute for ginger beer?

If you don't have ginger beer on hand, you can use ginger ale as a substitute. It will give a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can prepare the cucumber slices, simple syrup, and lemon juice ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply mix the ingredients with Pimm's No. 1 and ginger beer over ice.