Pimm's Cup

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What Is a Pimm's Cup?

The Pimm's Cup is a tall, fruity, low-alcohol highball built on Pimm's No. 1, a gin-based English liqueur flavored with herbs, spices and citrus. It is typically topped with ginger ale or British-style sparkling lemonade, then loaded with fresh fruit, cucumber and mint. The result is something between a cocktail and a fruit punch: light, refreshing and endlessly sippable on a hot afternoon. In Britain it is practically the official drink of summer, and it has also found a passionate second home in New Orleans.

With only about 25 percent alcohol in the base liqueur, and plenty of mixer in the glass, the Pimm's Cup is one of the easiest cocktails to enjoy over a long day outdoors. It is a perfect pick for anyone who finds a Gin and Tonic too sharp or a Tom Collins too tart.

A Brief History of the Pimm's Cup

The drink takes its name from James Pimm, who ran an oyster bar in the City of London in the early 1800s. Around the 1840s he began serving a house gin "cup," a mix of gin, liqueurs and herbs meant to aid digestion, in small tankards known as No. 1 cups. The recipe proved so popular that it was bottled and sold to other bars, and later to the public. Over the years the company released several numbered versions based on other spirits, including Scotch, brandy, rum, rye and vodka, but only No. 1, the original gin version, remains widely available today. The full story of the brand is covered on Wikipedia's Pimm's page.

Wimbledon, Garden Parties and New Orleans

The Pimm's Cup is woven into the fabric of the English summer season. It is poured by the jug at garden parties, regattas, polo matches and, most famously, at the Wimbledon Championships, where hundreds of thousands of glasses are served to tennis fans every year alongside strawberries and cream. Across the Atlantic, the Pimm's Cup became a signature of New Orleans, especially at the historic Napoleon House in the French Quarter, where a version topped with lemonade and lemon-lime soda and garnished with cucumber has been a local favorite for decades. On a sweltering Louisiana afternoon, it is easy to see why.

What Does Pimm's No. 1 Taste Like?

Pimm's No. 1 is a deep amber liqueur with a flavor often compared to a spiced, fruity sweet tea. Its exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but you will taste orange peel, bitter herbs, warm spice and a gentle sweetness reminiscent of sweet vermouth. Because it is built on gin, there is a subtle botanical backbone underneath. On its own it is pleasant but a little sweet; the magic happens when it is lengthened with fizzy mixer and fresh produce.

Flavor Profile and What to Expect

A Pimm's Cup is bright, fruity and gently spiced. The ginger ale adds a soft, warming zing, while a squeeze of lemon juice keeps the drink from being too sweet. The fruit and cucumber are not just decoration: as they steep in the glass they add cool, fresh, garden-like flavors that make every sip a little different. Mint brings a final aromatic lift. Overall the drink is crisp and light, with a finish that is more refreshing than boozy.

How to Make the Perfect Pimm's Cup

The most popular American recipe uses two ounces of Pimm's No. 1 and half an ounce of fresh lemon juice in a tall glass over ice, topped with about three ounces of ginger ale. In the UK, the classic is one part Pimm's to three parts clear sparkling lemonade, a mixer very similar to lemon-lime soda. Both are delicious; ginger ale gives more spice, lemonade gives more sweetness and fizz.

Do not skimp on the garnish. A long slice of cucumber, a sprig of fresh mint, a sliced strawberry and a wheel of orange or lemon are traditional. Gently press some of the fruit against the side of the glass with a bar spoon to release its juices before topping with the mixer. For a crowd, multiply the recipe in a large pitcher and add the soda just before serving so it stays bubbly.

Popular Variations

Because the Pimm's Cup is so forgiving, it has inspired countless variations. A Pimm's Royale replaces the soda with Champagne or sparkling wine for a celebratory twist. Some bartenders add a splash of gin to boost the strength, or muddle cucumber in the glass for a deeper vegetal note. Seasonal riffs swap strawberries for peaches, raspberries or blackberries, and a few add elderflower liqueur for a floral touch similar to the Hugo spritz. If you love the cucumber and mint combination, try the gin-based Southside as well.

How to Serve It

Serve the Pimm's Cup in a tall highball or Collins glass, or in a large pitcher for sharing. Fill the glass generously with ice and fruit, and add a straw so guests can sip through the garnish. It looks especially beautiful in a clear glass jug on a summer table.

Food Pairings and Occasions

The Pimm's Cup shines at outdoor events: picnics, barbecues, garden parties, bridal showers and, of course, tennis-watching parties. It pairs naturally with light summer food such as cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon, scones with jam and cream, grilled shrimp and fresh fruit. Its gentle spice also works with Cajun and Creole dishes, a nod to its New Orleans fans. For more warm-weather ideas, explore our summer cocktails collection or an easy Aperol Spritz.

Why People Love the Pimm's Cup

The Pimm's Cup is pure, uncomplicated summer in a glass. It is low in alcohol, beautiful to look at, simple to scale up for a crowd and adaptable to whatever fruit you have on hand. It also comes with nearly two centuries of British tradition and a dose of Southern charm. For another take on the recipe, see Punch's Pimm's Cup recipe. Pour one on the next sunny afternoon and you will understand why it has never gone out of style.