Pimm’s Drink Recipe: How to Mix the Classic British Summer Cocktail

Introduction
Nothing says British summer quite like a tall, ice-filled glass of Pimm’s No. 1 Cup, sparkling lemonade and a rainbow of fresh garnish. This fruity-herbal liqueur has been lifting garden parties, Wimbledon picnics and lazy afternoons since the 19th century. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make a classic Pimm’s, explore inspiring variations, discover batch-mixing tips for crowds, and pick up pro secrets for the perfect serve. Whether you’re a cocktail novice or a seasoned home bartender, this recipe collection ensures every sip captures the true spirit of summer.

1. What Is Pimm’s No. 1 Cup?

• Base Spirit: London Dry gin distilled with juniper and classic botanicals
• Infusions: Citrus peels (lemon, orange), red-berry extracts (strawberry, raspberry), mint, borage, warming spices (cinnamon, ginger, clove)
• ABV: 25% — half the strength of typical gin, making it perfectly drinkable when mixed
• Taste Profile: Bright citrus and berry top notes, a herbal mid-palate and a gentle spiced finish

Originally created in 1823 by James Pimm as a “healthful tonic,” Pimm’s evolved into the bottled liqueur we know today. Its balanced sweetness and moderate strength form the backbone of the quintessential summer cocktail.

2. Classic Pimm’s Recipe

Ingredients (Per Glass)

• 50 ml Pimm’s No. 1 Cup (1 part)
• 150 ml cloudy lemonade (3 parts)
• Large ice cubes or fruit-infused ice spheres
• Garnish:
  • 2 cucumber slices
  • 2 strawberry halves
  • 1 orange wheel
  • 1 apple slice
  • 2–3 mint sprigs

Method

1. Prepare Glass: Fill a highball glass two-thirds full with large ice cubes.
2. Layer Garnish: Tuck cucumber, strawberry, orange and apple among the ice.
3. Add Pimm’s: Pour 50 ml Pimm’s over the ice and fruit.
4. Top with Lemonade: Gently add 150 ml cloudy lemonade to preserve effervescence.
5. Stir & Serve: Stir once with a swizzle stick, then garnish with fresh mint and serve immediately.

3. Pitcher-Sized Batch Recipe

Ingredients (3 L Pitcher)

• 500 ml Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
• 1.5 L cloudy lemonade
• 1 L sparkling water (optional, for lighter fizz)
• Ice to fill 2 L of jug volume
• Garnish: 1 cucumber (sliced), 250 g strawberries (halved), 2 oranges (wheels), 2 apples (slices), handful of mint

Method

1. Garnish First: Add all fruit and herbs to the bottom of a 3 L jug.
2. Ice Layer: Fill the jug halfway with ice cubes or fruit-juice ice.
3. Mix Base: Pour in Pimm’s and lemonade (plus sparkling water, if using).
4. Stir & Top Up: Stir gently, then top with extra ice. Keep refrigerated; serve in chilled glasses.

4. Pro Tips for the Perfect Pimm’s

• Ice Matters: Use large cubes or silicone-mold spheres to slow dilution.
• Chill Everything: Pre-chill Pimm’s, lemonade and glasses to maintain temperature.
• Fruit-Infused Ice: Freeze lemonade with berries or mint to garnish and chill simultaneously.
• Measure Precisely: Use a jigger or shot glass to maintain a consistent 1 : 3 ratio.
• Fresh Garnish: Replace fruit in each batch every 2 hours to avoid sogginess.

5. Creative Variations

Elderflower Spritz

• Recipe: 50 ml Pimm’s, 100 ml elderflower presse, 100 ml soda water, garnish with edible flowers.

Ginger-Kick Cup

• Recipe: 50 ml Pimm’s, 100 ml lemonade, 50 ml ginger beer, garnish with lime wheel and candied ginger.

Tea-Infused Pimm’s

• Recipe: 50 ml Pimm’s, 100 ml strong black tea (cooled), 100 ml lemonade, garnish with lemon peel twist.

Rosé Pimm’s Fizz

• Recipe: 50 ml Pimm’s, 100 ml chilled rosé, 50 ml soda water, garnish with raspberries and thyme.

6. Non-Alcoholic “Pimm’s” Mocktail

• Base: 100 ml iced tea, 100 ml lemonade, 50 ml soda water
• Garnish: Same as classic
• Tip: Muddle a sprig of mint in the glass before adding mixers for herbal depth.

7. Equipment and Serveware

• Jugs: 3–4 L clear glass pitcher with drip-free spout
• Glasses: 300 ml highball or stemmed wine glasses for elegance
• Tools: Jigger, bar spoon, ice molds, garnish bowls, cocktail stirrers

The right tools ensure consistency, preserve fizz and showcase Pimm’s vibrant presentation.

8. Seasonal Serving Suggestions

• Early Summer: Emphasise berry garnishes—blueberries, raspberries and strawberries.
• Mid-Summer: Add edible flower petals (pansies, violets) for colour and aroma.
• Late Summer: Incorporate stone fruits (peaches, nectarines) sliced thin and spiced with a cinnamon stick.

Adapting to seasonal produce keeps your Pimm’s fresh and locally inspired.

9. Storage and Shelf Life

• Unopened: Up to 3 years in a cool, dark cupboard.
• Opened Bottle: Seal tightly and refrigerate; best consumed within 4–6 weeks for peak flavour.
• Pre-Mixed Pitchers: Keep chilled and covered; serve within 2 hours to avoid over-dilution and fruit spoilage.

Proper storage preserves both taste and presentation quality.

10. Health & Nutrition (Per 200 ml Glass)**

• Calories: ~140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12–15 g (primarily from sugar in Pimm’s and lemonade)
• Alcohol: ~6% ABV when mixed at 1 : 3 ratio
• Tip: Use low-sugar lemonade or soda water to reduce calories without sacrificing fizz.

Enjoy responsibly and balance with water and snacks for hydration.

Conclusion
A classic Pimm’s drink recipe—50 ml Pimm’s No. 1 Cup to 150 ml cloudy lemonade over oversized ice and fresh fruit—captures the essence of British summer. Whether you’re mixing a single glass or batching pitchers for a gathering, these guidelines, pro tips and creative twists ensure your Pimm’s is always bright, balanced and crowd-pleasing. Embrace the season, gather your friends, and let every jugful mark another perfect “Pimm’s O’Clock.”

Top 10 Questions & Answers

1. What is the ideal Pimm’s-to-lemonade ratio?
   1 part Pimm’s to 3 parts cloudy lemonade.
2. How much Pimm’s do I need for a 3 L pitcher?
   500 ml Pimm’s and 1.5 L lemonade, plus ice and garnish.
3. Can I use sparkling water instead of lemonade?
   Yes—use a 1 : 3 ratio of Pimm’s to soda water for a lighter serve.
4. What garnishes are essential?
   Cucumber, strawberry, orange, apple and mint.
5. How far ahead can I batch mix?
   Up to 2 hours before; add ice and fruit last minute.
6. Can I make a non-alcoholic version?
   Replace Pimm’s with iced tea, lemonade and soda in equal parts, using the same garnishes.
7. What equipment do I need?
   A 3–4 L clear jug, highball or stemmed glasses, jigger, bar spoon and ice molds.
8. How do I prevent dilution?
   Use large ice cubes or fruit-juice ice spheres and pre-chilled ingredients.
9. What seasonal fruits can I add?
   Early summer: berries; late summer: peaches or nectarines; edible flowers year-round.
10. How many calories in a Pimm’s glass?
    Approximately 140 kcal per 200 ml serve at 1 : 3 mix.