Packed with fresh strawberries and citrus along with cucumber and mint, this Strawberry Pimm's Cup puts an extra fruity spin on the classic British cocktail. It just might be the most light and refreshing drink you'll enjoy this summer!
If you've tried any of my cocktail recipes, you probably already know that I'm a total sucker for drinks that are packed with fresh fruit. A classic Pimm's Cup cocktail is no exception.
This light and refreshing summer drink is fruity with a hint of spice and garnished to perfection with fresh strawberries, citrus, cucumber and mint. It's a sophisticated drink that's easy to make - whether for one or for a crowd.
Think of the Pimm's Cup as gin and tonic's more flavorful but just as refreshing cousin.
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What is Pimm's No. 1? What does it taste like?
Pimm's is an English brand of liqueurs. Pimm's No. 1, the brand's most popular product, is a gin-based herbal liqueur. It has a lightly spiced, fruity flavor and an amber color.
What is a Pimm's Cup?
The Pimm's Cup is a British cocktail that was invented in London in the mid-1800's by James Pimm. Originally created using gin, quinine, herbs, and spices in order to aid in digestion, today the drink is made with Pimm's No. 1 liqueur, lemon soda, fresh mint, and cucumber. The Pimm's Cup is popular at summer gatherings and is the signature cocktail served at the Wimbeldon tennis tournament.
British-Style vs. New Orleans-Style
While the Pimm's cup originated in England, it became widely popular in the southern United States, and particularly in New Orleans, where it has been adapted.
Unlike the classic British-style Pimm's Cup made with carbonated British lemonade, the New Orleans-style Pimm's Cup is made with ginger ale for a slightly spicier and less fruity version of the cocktail.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient list and measurements.
Pimm's No. 1 - This gin-based herbal liqueur is the key ingredient in a Pimm's Cup cocktail and should be easy to find at your local liquor store.
Lemon Soda - A classic British Pimm's Cup is made with British lemonade. This is very different than American lemonade, and is a lightly sweet carbonated lemon drink. The best substitute that's easy to find here in the U.S. is Sanpellegrino Limonata, an Italian lemon soda. Brits may disagree, but you could also use Sprite or 7 Up, though this will create a sweeter cocktail.
Alternatively, to make a New Orleans-style Pimm's Cup, you can replace the lemon soda with ginger ale. Or, if you prefer a bit more spicy ginger flavor, you can use ginger beer.
Fresh Strawberries - Save a few whole strawberries for garnishing the cocktail glasses and slice the other strawberries for adding to the drink.
Special Equipment
In addition to essential kitchen equipment (like a knife and cutting board for slicing fruit), I recommend some special tools for making this recipe.
- A cocktail muddler, for muddling the blackberries. Don't have a muddler? The handle end of a thick-handled wooden spoon works great, too.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for detailed recipe instructions.
Step 1: Add Pimm's and mint leaves to a glass and gently muddle the mint.
Step 2: Add ice cubes to the glass along with fruit and cucumber slices.
Step 3: Top with lemon soda or ginger ale and gently stir to combine.
Step 4: Garnish with a strawberry and a mint sprig.
Can I Make This Pimm's Cup in a Pitcher?
You can easily make a Pimm's Cup batch recipe to serve in a pitcher. Muddle the leaves of 6 mint sprigs in a pitcher with 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) of Pimm's No. 1. Add ice along with sliced fruit (1 pint of strawberries, 2 oranges, and 2 lemons) and cucumber (1 small), and top with 4 ½ cups (36 ounces) lemon soda or ginger ale. Stir gently to combine and serve with fresh garnish. Makes 6 servings.
More Fruity Drink Recipes
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Recipe
Strawberry Pimm's Cup with Citrus, Cucumber, & Mint
Special Equipment
- Cocktail muddler (or a similar tool for muddling ingredients)
- Collins glass (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces (59 millileters) Pimm's No. 1
- 1 mint sprig (plus more for garnish)
- ice cubes
- 4 strawberries, (one whole and three sliced)
- orange slices
- lemon slices
- cucumber slices
- 6 ounces (177 millileters) lemon soda or ginger ale (see note)
Instructions
- Before mixing the cocktails, set aside some of the produce to use for garnish.
- Add the Pimm's and the leaves from the mint sprig to a collins glass and gently muddle the mint.
- Add ice cubes to the glass along with fruit and cucumber slices.
- Top with lemon soda or ginger ale and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with whole strawberry and a mint sprig.
Haley says
"it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy a cocktail before 5PM when the cocktail includes enough fresh produce to double as your afternoon snack!"
Um, YES! I love a good Pimm's Cup and this recipe. I will definitely be giving it a try.
Allison says
So glad we're on the same page 🙂 I hope you do give this recipe a try, and that you love it!
xx Allison
~ carmen ~ says
I need a Pimm's cup in my life. I've never had one before & it looks like such a treat. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Allison says
Yes you do! I've always enjoyed them at restaurants, but this was my first time making one at home. It's the most refreshing summer cocktail, and such a treat 🙂
xx Allison