Classic Pimm's and Lemonade

English summers and a glass of Pimm's and lemonade go hand in hand. This low-proof alcoholic drink is synonymous with many midyear events in Britain. It's sold at all manner of festivals, concerts, and even sporting events like Wimbledon, and is likewise a refreshing cocktail for weddings, social gatherings, and family celebrations.

What is Pimm's No. 1?

Pimm's No. 1 was created and sold in the mid-19th Century in a London oyster bar owned by a man named James Pimm. Originally offered as a digestif made of gin, herbs, and liqueurs and sold as a "cup" or "sling," Pimm's No. 1 is now a British staple found everywhere in the country.

The gin-based liqueur is used in a wide variety of cocktail recipes, most of them refreshing carbonated drinks (or fruit cup as they are known in England). These drinks take on other flavors from cut-up fruits (apples, strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, or lemons) and can be garnished with different herbs like mint or flowers like borage.

The moniker "Pimm's No. 1" insinuates the existence of other varieties of Pimm's, and, indeed, there were at one time seven different products available. Each version used a different type of liquor (for instance, Pimm's No. 2 featured brandy instead of gin). Most, however, have been discontinued. Pimm's No. 1 is far and away the most common type of Pimm's and likely the only type you will find in the United States.

Many Ways to Make a Pimm's Cup

The types of fruit, herbs, and sparkling beverages used vary depending on the time of year and where the drink is made. Ginger ale or soda water are commonly substituted for the sparkling lemonade, and the use of champagne or sparkling wine instead of lemonade or ginger ale makes the drink a Pimm's Royal Cup.

A truly traditional English Pimm's does not contain additional alcohol of any kind beyond what is in Pimm's No. 1; recipes with added spirits like vodka are American versions. 

Scale Your Pimm's Cup Up or Down

Summery, citrusy, and sweet, this is the perfect quick cocktail to enjoy on a hot day. Our recipe makes four servings, but scale it down if you need just a single refreshing glass of Pimm's and lemonade, or up if you're serving a crowd. For a single serving, go with one part of Pimm's per three parts of lemonade. Double the recipe for a crowd.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pimm's Cup

• Use a high-quality fizzy lemonade. Lemonades that are too acidic can spoil the flavor.
• Do not replace the Pimm's with other spirits branded as Fruit Cups. They bring their own flavors to the party but not that of a classic Pimm's.
• Keep the proportions to one part Pimm's, three parts lemonade, as too much Pimm's can be overwhelming, and too much lemonade will water down the Pimm's flavor.
• Stick to cucumber, orange, and mint if you want a classic Pimms. Strawberries are a pretty addition. Avoid using apple slices because they will turn mushy very quickly. Some Pimm's aficionados recommend using only the cucumber peel, which adds extra flavor and will stay firmer than the slices.
• Use borage if you have it in your garden. It will make a lovely alternative to mint and can be equally refreshing.